Posture Improving Exercises

Sit up straight! It's a statement most mothers tried to drive into our heads. As usual, mother knows best, but that doesn't mean we always follow her advice. If you're worried about your posture and would like to improve it, there are several exercises that can help. By strengthening your back, shoulders and other muscles, you can help train yourself to maintain proper posture.

Aerobic Exercise

• Aerobic exercise is a good, all-around deterrent of bad posture. By engaging in regular exercise such as walking or biking, your back and core muscles become less stiff and more relaxed. This minimizes the potential for excessive pressure placed on the back, which can quickly lead to poor posture. If you work in an office, simply getting up and moving around for a couple minutes each hour can help minimize muscle stiffening.

Strength Training

• Exercises that strengthen your back, shoulders and core muscles also promote good posture. Sit ups, push-ups, row machines and shoulder raises are all great options. Less strenuous strengthening exercises can also be beneficial. For example, you might try standing straight up with ears aligned at the shoulders. Then slowly raise your arms out and up to shoulder height. Ten reps of this can be done relatively quickly and easily.

Stretching

• Stretching is another form of exercise that can result in improved posture. Lie flat on your stomach with hands placed palm-down at your shoulders. Lift your shoulders up and arch your back while keeping your waist on the ground. Ten reps of this exercise can help loosen back muscles. Other muscles worth targeting are the hamstrings, shoulders and gluteals. For a full stretch workout, consider taking a yoga class.