Exercises That Help Your Posture

We don't think about it very often, but improper standing and sitting can have dramatic effects on health. Poor posture can cause unnecessary back or neck pain, and might even lead to certain spinal conditions. There are several ways that someone can work on improving his or her posture. Some of the most effective are exercises that target key muscles and keep them loose and limber.

Moving Around

• Poor posture is often the result of stiff or strained muscles. This is not uncommon, given the number of people who stare at a computer all day or are otherwise in a sedentary position for several hours a day. To combat stiffness, light aerobic exercise can be helpful. Walking, swimming and biking all get the back muscles moving so they loosen up. Additionally, it is important to get up and move around frequently during the workday to keep muscles from atrophying.

Lifting Weights

• Weight training is another method that can have dramatic effects on posture. Strengthening key muscles such as the back, shoulders and stomach will help reduce the amount strain felt by the back throughout the day. Exercises such as sit-ups, crunches and shoulder presses can used to help improve posture.

Stretching

• Stretching is another successful form of exercise for keeping back muscles limber and mobile. Enrollment in a yoga class will ensure a comprehensive stretching program that works all the pertinent muscles related to posture. Alternatively, the majority of stretches that can be done with a body ball are great for improving posture. For example, lie stomach-down on the ball with hands and legs extended (like Superman) and feet placed against the wall. Then, push your heels off the wall and reach forward with your hands for a couple of seconds. Repeat 10 times.