How Exercise Can Fix A Bad Posture

Exercises for Correcting Poor Posture

As you go through your daily activities, do you often find yourself slouching ? Do you sit for long periods of time? Do you get lazy with your posture? Poor posture is becoming more of a problem each day for many. 

However, there is a way poor posture can be corrected. First, you need to know how to prevent your posture from getting worse by finding out why it is bad in the first place. Then, by working on your posture with a few exercises each day, poor posture can be improved rather quickly.

What Causes Poor Posture?

Many people attribute bad posture to the age of digital technology. A large number of people work on their computers for a large part of their day, which can be detrimental to posture. The same goes for spending too much time on your phone or other devices; it does not help to stare down at your phone screen for too long. Neck pain is a typical symptom of poor posture or what some people call tech neck.

Negative Effects of Poor Posture

Poor posture can lead to more health issues than you might think. One large effect is back, shoulder, or neck pain. This pain occurs when you sit in a position that puts excess pressure on certain areas. Fixing posture by doing certain exercises to target these areas can help solve this problem.

According to numerous studies and other research, slouching can also worsen depression, cause problems with digestion, and even contribute to cardiovascular health issues! All the more reason to fix that posture!

How Do I Fix My Posture?

Poor posture can be solved by doing a few exercises a day that help stabilize the right muscles and keep you standing tall. These exercises include........

~Forward fold/toe touch

~Cat-cow stretch

~Chest opener

~Plank

Forward Fold/Toe Touch

The toe touch looks easy at first, but there is more to it than it seems. To do this exercise, fold over at the hips and simply try to touch your toes. If you can't reach them at first, don't worry - your flexibility will improve with time.

This exercise allows you to lengthen your spine, stretch your hamstrings, and relax your head and neck all at the same time. Bend your knees if you need to, and make sure to relax your neck to release tension. Remember, this should be relaxing, not stressful!

Cat-Cow Stretch

The cat-cow stretch is excellent for stretching your shoulders and back. You need to start on your hands and knees so that your hips are directly over your knees and your shoulders are over your hands. First, you will hollow out your back, drop your belly, and lift your butt and shoulders. Try to look up or forward (You should be in the cow position here.) Then, move to the cat position; stick your back high in the air so that it is higher than your shoulders and butt. Look downward toward the ground. Move back and forth between the positions at the speed you want to move. This is a good way to stretch out that back!

Chest Opener

To open up the chest, put your hands behind your back and interlace them. Try to roll your shoulders back, open up your chest, and look somewhat upward. Hold the stretch until you feel like you have stretched out and released some tension.

This exercise will help you keep your shoulders back, which will help correct your posture. It will also open up your chest, which helps your posture and makes you appear more confident.

Planking Exercices

A plank is a well-known and well-liked exercise to strengthen the core. The core not only includes your abs but also helps your back. To get into the plank position, you can start on your knees. Your hands should be directly beneath your shoulders, and you can extend your legs behind you to support yourself with just your toes and your hands. You can also plank on your elbows so you are closer to the ground if you need; this is especially helpful for people with hand or wrist problems. Try to hold the plank position for as long as possible. It is a challenge, but it helps to elongate the spine to improve posture as well as strengthen that core!

Conclusion

Good posture is essential to good overall health. Fortunately, good posture is easy to achieve with a few simple exercises!