Improve Your Posture

For the majority, sitting down at a desk, spending time looking at screens / phones, etc. is a reality. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of modern life today is bad posture. It may seem impossible to fix your posture, but there are still ways you can be more aware of it to improve your posture.

Good posture is when your muscles and bones are in a state of balance, they’re working together to protect your body from injury.

When we allow our postures to decline, our body is inefficiently working, misusing joints, muscles and ligaments to do simple tasks, like walking, lifting, sitting and as a result will find that back, neck and / or joint pain is felt more frequently. It can also result in muscle imbalances, impact our breathing and blood circulation, mood slumps and a sluggish digestive system. Basically, all of the effects we don’t want when trying to live our best life.

Doing core exercises and movements to realign your spine will improve your posture. When you have a strong core you are able to stand tall, align your spine, shoulders, and neck, prevent injury, breathe efficiently, and have good posture.

When you focus on retraining your mind and body to engage in correct muscle patterns, you’ll be more aware of your core and know how important it is for your posture.

A great core exercise is a simple plank. Encourage yourself to hold it for at least 1 minute, and when you feel stronger, challenge yourself to hold it for 2 minutes, then 3 minutes, or more. The goal is to keep your hips down, spine in neutral, and your body in a straight line. You can do this in front of a mirror from the side to see that your body is in straight alignment. You can also do shoulder taps (see Instagram @neubynicole or click photo above), side planks on each side, or elbows to hands (I will post this one soon to Instagram @neubynicole).

Also, if it is difficult for you to do a plank try doing it with your elbows on your bed or a higher surface with your feet on the ground in back of you. Although, it may seem like it isn’t doing anything for your body just use it as a way to engage your core, then when you feel ready . . . take it on to the ground.

My core exercises are meant for you to be stronger, healthier, and for you to live a pain-free life. Follow along for more core exercises soon. I hope you try it out and let me know how it goes!