How to Get Better Posture With Abdominal Exercises

Good posture can work wonders for your overall health and sense of well-being. When you stand and sit with the right posture, you can avoid back-aches and slumping shoulders. You look taller and trimmer and your clothes seem to fit better when you hold yourself correctly. If you have a hard time finding and holding on to good posture, work on your abdominal muscles to strengthen your upper body and improve your posture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stand or sit with your normal posture. Note the position of your shoulders, your belly and your hips. Tighten your abdominal muscles and pull your upper body up and back. Try to keep your shoulders back and in a vertical line with your hips. Relax your knees and your arms. Adjust yourself until you feel comfortable holding this straighter posture. Notice how your abs contract to help you hold the posture.
2. Do crunches. Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head; keep your neck relaxed. Roll your head and shoulders off the floor; keeping your lower back on the floor, reach toward your knees with your shoulders. Feel your abdominal muscles tighten. Keep your abdominal muscles tight as you slowly roll back down. Repeat a few times; feel the way your abs tighten as you crunch forward and roll down. Use crunches to strengthen your abs.
3. Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. With your hands behind your head, roll your head and shoulders up. Turn your upper body and reach toward your left knee with your right elbow. Feel the tension in your abdominals as you reach. Return to the floor and repeat the exercise; this time, turn your upper body to the right and reach toward your right knee with your left elbow. Again, feel the work in your abs. Repeat this exercise a few times, feeling the pull in your abs.
4. Stand or sit in a comfortable position. Gently tighten the abdominal muscles you've been working to create a firm abdomin. This action will straighten your upper body and pull you more erect. Continue to do crunches and side crunches to develop more strength in your abdominal muscles.
5. Always be aware of your abdominal muscles. Keep them tight and firm, even when you are relaxing, to maintain a healthier posture.

Tips & Warnings

• Work your back muscles as well; strength front and back will keep your posture balanced.