Give the Gift of Good Posture!

Stop right now and notice your posture.  I bet you are slouched over reading this article.   Now look over at your loved one or friend – see the same thing? We are becoming a nation of SLOUCHERS. I see it in my husband when he is working on his computer, I notice it in my clients when we are exercising and I catch myself doing it when I am really into reading Facebook or writing an article.  Reading on our mobile devices, sitting more than we should at work or putting ourselves in bad positions as we binge watch TV is leading to this epidemic of bad posture.

Did you know that just 1 inch of a head tilt forward adds an extra 10 lbs of pressure on your cervical spine (upper spine area)? To compensate the body lays down fat and bone to protect the spine which in time will grow into that unflattering hump (imagine Mr. Burns from the Simpsons or that slouched over old woman).  Forward head posture can also lead to chronic pain, numbness in the arms and hands, improper breathing and pinched nerves.

Many people do not realize they are doing it because it’s become the easier, more relaxing way to sit or stand.

This holiday season why not give the gift of good posture. Take the time to notice when your friend or loved one is leaning their head forward or slouching and ask them to do the same for you.  Gently remind each other to sit up straight and pull that head back.   Better yet, do this simple exercise together at least 3x per week for 6 weeks and I guarantee you will notice a difference.

Simple Posture Correcting Exercise

  1.  Stand with your back flush against a wall.  Adjust your heels so they are shoulder width apart, your buttocks against the wall and your shoulder blades touching the wall.
  2.  Notice as you get into this stance whether the back of your head touches the wall or not. If it does not touch the wall, you have forward head posture.   Take the time to regularly strengthen and stretch the muscles in your neck, chest and shoulders
  3.   Now touch the back of your head to the wall.   Pretend that there is a string going from the base of your neck to the top of your head.  Imagine someone is pulling that string up from the top creating a longer neck.  Make sure the back of the head stays on the wall.

As the back of your neck gets longer, your chin should tuck forward slightly.   Hold this position for 30 seconds, relax and so this this 3-5 more times.   Work up to doing this exercise for a full minute.

I have MANY  posture correcting workouts in the Be Healthy Enough Online Exercise Platform!   Why not try one or more FREE for 7 Days (just click HERE and sign up)

Check out my YouTube video  Prevent Poor Posture Now

I also can help you with a series of exercises to improve your strength and posture in a FREE 30 Minute Wellness Consultation with me.  Click the book now link below and find a time that works for you

BOOK NOW

NOW SIT UP STRAIGHT

 

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