Stretching to Improve Posture
How often do you notice people with bad posture? How many times have you been scolded for slouchy posture? What does a healthy posture even look like?
Basically, it involves ‘sitting up straight’. I know, you’ve probably heard this advice many times before.
Here is something you might not know yet. Many simple stretching exercises help you improve your posture.
Let’s check out some of the easiest ones!
Lifting Your Shoulders
A correct posture implies opening your chest. At the same time, your spine has to be lengthened, not curved.
A simple way to achieve this focuses on the shoulders. This exercise can work as a warm-up for other stretching exercises:
First, raise your shoulders slowly
Then allow them to naturally return to their initial position
Repeat this move several times. It will enhance your mobility and relieve tension in your spine
Stretching Your Shoulders
Most effective stretching exercises for a good posture involve the shoulders. That is due to the chest muscles you work out this way. These muscles are usually tightened during the day.
Various banal activities also make our shoulders roll forward. All these amount to that terrible hunchback look. An easy exercise to prevent it is shoulder stretching. Here’s how it goes:
Stretch your arms out to your sides. Then make a 90-degree angle with your elbows.
Keep your shoulder blades drawn together while you make circular movements with your arms
Stretching Exercises That Involve the Pectoral Muscle
Your pectoral muscle is essential for a healthy posture. If this muscle is tight, your posture will suffer. You should exercise it every day through this simple move:
Place your palm on a wall keeping your arm straight
Try rotating your body several times. You should feel a light stretch in your clavicle
Standing up Straight
Here’s another plain stretching exercise that helps you get a better posture. This time, you’ll focus on your whole body.
I just want to add that this is a great exercise for those who work long-hour desk jobs.
Get up and go to the nearest wall. Stand up against it, touching it with you heals.
Your shoulder blades and the back of your head have to touch the wall too
Keep your body in a straight position. Try to maintain this posture as long as you can. Repeat this action several times
Sitting with Your Back Straight
Yes, this is that annoying advice your parents gave you since you were little. Now it is more important than ever to follow it.
If you have a sedentary job, improve your posture and health with these stretching exercises.
Position your back in a straight posture. The back of your chair should fit the curvature of your own back.
Try to sit like this at any moment. Avoid other positions (e.g. leaning forward)
Your shoulders should have a straight position. Your neck and back should be aligned
Your feet’s position is also important. Keep them on the ground
A good posture is not just an aesthetic advantage. It also helps you breathe easier than before. Still, it does involve some effort on your behalf. These simple stretching exercises require some patience and commitment. But at least they’ll make you feel and look better. Why don’t you try them out and see for yourself?
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