Six Simple Tips for Good Posture

These six tips for good posture are designed to get you thinking about the big picture. The little things you do everyday (or habits) can allow for you to develop poor posture. Poor posture is everywhere you look – kids, teens and adults.

Many people do not realize that poor posture can lead to chronic back pain, damage to spinal structures, additional stress and pain on joints and overall instability of the body’s core that can lead to falls and fractures. I hope these six tips for good posture help get you and your family stand (and sitting) nice and tall.

So many people sit at a computer or desk all day and are suffering. Ergonomically correct spaces make the difference. Having a chair that adjusts is a start. Having a keyboard at the correct height is also important – think about getting a wireless keyboard if you use a laptop. If your employer does not provide this, ask if you can bring in your own chair. Do not forget about your teens and kids as well. With more and more doing homework and assignments online (and those video games) – they need to be well seated as well.

 Did your mother tell you to stand up straight and sit up straight? She was right. Slouching while you are standing can throw off your body’s center of gravity leading to chronic poor posture and pain all over the body. Slumping while seated can have the same effects. So stand up straight and show off how tall you are and quite slumping over at the computer. Ask you kids to do the same! Start while they are young so the develop the habit early in life.

You know who you are if you do this- sitting at your desk, driving down the highway and walking down the street. You are putting an unnatural strain on you neck and can lead on neck and back pain.

Running around in high-heels all day may look great but you are really misaligning you entire body. This can have a negative affect on you back, posture and core support. Flip-flops and sandals can also have a negative impact on your posture, balance and a whole day can kill your feet. I love a pair of heals and can not live with sandals so I make comprises personally. When I have a ton of errands to run or need to be on my feet for hours – I put on tennis shoes or supportive sandals.

Regularly exercises can help your posture. Exercises for good posture include walking, swimming, yoga and Pilates. Pilates is all about good posture and proper movements.

Do not take unnaturally stiff posses or tighten up the muscles. This can lead to additional joint and muscle pain. Back pain and neck pain are very common results of poor posture.

I hope these six tips for good posture got you to sit up a little straighter at your computer today. For more advise of better health and anti-aging, please visit Dr. Gardner's Anti-aging and Health.