Most of us are told when we are children that we should sit up straight and walk with our chest out and shoulders back, but over time we get out of those good habits.
Published on: Aug 11, 2013 at 15:15
Updated on: Dec 2, 2020 at 08:12
As a result, you will see many people with extremely poor posture, which can not only cause pain, but is a reflection on them.
When people see someone with bad posture, they tend to think less of them than they would someone who walked upright with confidence.
The good news is that you can find exercises to improve posture, and you can actually regain much of your muscle strength and muscle memory that you one had. It just takes a little time and practice, but you could find yourself walking with great posture again in no time.
Start with the basics:
- Stretching (different for everyone)
- Resisting an impulse (mindful breathing can do it, too)
- Attention to alignment – spine, hips, shoulders, hips, ankles, etc.
The good news is that exercise can make your life better –and will probably improve your posture.
Why Does Posture Matter?
Socially, posture is very important because we look at people differently when they slouch.
Even the slightest adjustment in posture can make a big difference in how people view you, and they will instantly see you as more successful, more confident, and someone that they want to be around if you are able to walk upright with good posture.
But, exercises to improve posture can help not only with your social standing, but also in regards to your body’s functioning.
People with poor posture also tend to have more back pain, which can then end up affecting other aspects of their life.
What Exercises to Improve Posture Really Work?
There are a number of different exercises that you can do that will help improve your posture, without the need for visiting a doctor.
Most of these exercises begin with a self-awareness, and being able to recognize when you are standing upright and when you are not. If you are able to do so, have someone take a picture of you from the side in your normal stance, see you can see what you look like.
You might be surprised at just how stooped over you are.
The best exercise for improving your posture is simply to stand upright, and by doing this in front of a mirror, from the side, you will be able to recognize just what is required. Ideally, your ears should be over your shoulders vertically, and your arms should be straight down to your side. You should be able to imagine a straight line being drawn from the top of your head through your neck and down through your chest and torso.
Another very common exercise to work on posture is to attempt to balance an item on your head while standing and then while walking.
This can be something lightweight and unbreakable, and by simply balancing it on your head, you will improve your posture.
This can be difficult for people at first, especially those with extremely poor posture, but you will get better at it.
So how should you be holding your body during a workout? Holding your body properly in both your short and long-term goals will probably involve some change in positioning. While in the short term you may be too busy concentrating on the tasks at hand to keep track of your posture, in the long-term you must keep in mind that you are responsible for your posture.
Where Can You Find Exercises to Improve Posture?
When you go online, you will see a number of different websites that offer exercises to improve posture, and many of these will also point out the importance of sitting up straight as well as standing up straight.
You can work on your posture by sitting in a chair with a straight back, with your knees at 90° and your feet flat on the floor.
At first, this may seem uncomfortable, but over time you will notice that sitting up straight is more comfortable and also helps to improve your core muscles or abdominal region.
Can a Back Brace Help You?
It might surprise you to find out that there are a number of different back braces available for people who are trying to improve their posture.
These are not the same kind of back braces that are worn for years at a time by those with back ailments, but rather these are designed specifically for improving posture in otherwise healthy people.
One of the most popular, affordable, and actually working back braces for improving posture is a product called Posture Now (product review). This is a very simple device that you only wear for 10 to 30 minutes per day, and during that time it forces you comfortably into a more upright position, allowing you to develop muscle memory that will return you to that position in the future.
Is This Something Worth Trying?
If you are suffering from back pain, or you have noticed that your posture just isn’t what it used to be, then it might be time for you to try a back brace or exercises to improve posture.
Exercises to improve posture gives you a better posture, with better posture, people will respect you, you will appear more confident and attractive, and you will also be less likely to suffer from back pain and other issues.
Any questions? Leave a comment, call me, or send me an e-mail.