How to Keep From Slouching
Slouching can lead to a bent-over appearance or debilitating back problems. It is so easy to habitually slouch and feel comfortable doing so. However, with a little conscious effort, you can teach your body to stand up straight. Achieving correct posture will greatly increase your chances of a lifetime devoid of not only back pain and an unsightly hunch but of other health problems such as neck and shoulder pain as well. Read below to learn how to get in the habit of excellent posture and sound back health.
Instructions
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Find your center. You may have heard this phrase in an exercise or dance class. Your center, or core as it is also named, is your strength in the center of your body. You must strengthen your core to achieve good balance, in addition to preventing slouching. Pilates and Yoga are fantastic tools for strengthening your core. Focus on keeping you abs tucked in to build this strength and connect with your center whether sitting or standing, and you will instantly notice a lift to your posture.
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Keep your shoulders back. Once you are focused on your core, the rest of the steps will come relatively easy. With abs tucked in, roll your shoulders back, and think of touching your shoulder blades together. You will have to consciously do this before it will come naturally for you.
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Concentrate on your neck and head, by imagining someone pulling your head straight up from the top with a string toward the ceiling. This will get you to elongate your neck as much as possible, increasing your stature.
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Focus on keeping your chest stretched wide and expanded. If you have rolled your shoulders back, your chest should be expanded, but concentrating on stretching out from shoulder to shoulder will train the chest muscles to expand even further.
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Practice the above steps when you are sitting at your computer, waiting at a bus stop, or standing in line at the grocery store. Soon your old slouching habits will feel uncomfortable, and you will have trained your body to achieve maximum stature and a healthy posture.
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Tips & Warnings
Pilates, yoga and ballet classes will all aid in your war against slouching. Remember to concentrate on these steps when both sitting and standing.
Don't relax your abs.
