How to Have Good Posture

When your mother told you not to slouch, she knew what she was talking about. A good posture, not only gives a good impression, it's better for your health.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Today's society spends a lot of time sitting. We sit at the computer. We sit and drive. We sit and watch TV. Sitting in a slouched position puts pressure on your back causing herniated disks and pinched nerves. Some people are not even aware of back problems because the degeneration occurs over a long period of time.

2. Poor posture can also lead to arthritis and poor digestion. So what can we do while we stand and sit?

3. When standing, pretend you are like a marionette being pulled up. Pull your body up, push your shoulders back and down, tuck in your stomach and pelvis, hold your chin in line with your chest, and distribute your weight evenly.

4. When sitting, place your feet flat on the ground with the rest of your body at a 90 degree angle. Push your tush to the back of the chair and again, pretend that you're are a marionette. Pull your body upward. Stomach in, shoulders back and down, chin in line with your chest.

5. It will take time to improve posture. If you sit at a computer for long periods of time, remind yourself to stand up, stretch, and sit in a proper position.

Resources

• More Articles by Hapworth

[slphilbrick]

on 9/10/2008 Great how-to ! Firming up the abdomen helps to keep from slouching, too !

[acole]

on 8/5/2008 I really need to work on this. It's hard when you work on a computer all day. Thanks!