Want to know how to look leaner, feel more confident and live longer? Quite simple actually…stand up straight. Yup, good posture can have significant improvements on your physical and mental health. No joke. Chronic poor posture is the root cause of many physical ailments. Do you know where your hips, spine and head are in space? Are they aligned? So many of us are in such constant pain we do not even know it. We work out with poor posture, sit at our desks, in our cars and on our couches for hours in a slumped position and then we wonder why we get hurt? Also, think about someone you know with good posture – what a presence they demand when they walk into a room! Think of the guaranteed confidence that comes with that. There is a lot of research out there to show the benefits of proper posture – take this seriously and you will be thankful!
I try my best to stand and sit with good form but we all have our things…if I am not paying attention I will stick out my ribs and /or tuck my pelvis under. Why are these problems? If you flare your ribs like me you tend to lose all connection to your abs. Connecting to your core and abdominal muscles is key to strong posture. If you do stand correctly your abs are on all day long – it is like a workout all day – in a good way I promise! Also, when you tuck your pelvis under you overstretch your lower back and do not use your glutes properly. Many people are subject to this and that is why lower back pain is such an issue for individuals.
So…I have to keep reminding myself…stick my booty out and pull my abs in. I am reminding myself right now and I just gained a few inches when I sat up straight in my chair.
How is your form? Do you even know how to fix it? Ask an exercise specialist, Pilates instructor, chiropractor or physical therapist to support you based on your needs. It could prevent many injuries down the road.
Stand up straight and look 5 pounds leaner! Perfect trick right before the holidays.
Did you all just adjust your posture? Feels good right?