How to Change Your Posture
Correcting one's posture can take away some forms of chronic back pain, according to Alton and Steven Thygerson, authors of "Fit To Be Well," as well as making one look slimmer, and even taller. Good posture should be practiced in childhood so that it is just natural in adulthood. But those who have poor posture in adulthood can still work on correcting their posture by doing a few simple things on a daily basis.
Instructions
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Sit up straight. Remember that saying from mothers everywhere? Well, they were right. According to the Thygersons, one of the most important steps in changing posture is sitting properly. To sit properly one must keep the spine straight and suck in the belly. For the first few weeks, until the body gets used to this proper position, it may cause some discomfort, but it will be worth it in the end.
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Stand up properly. This too is important and means keeping the spine straight and the stomach pulled into the rib cage. Belly and butt should not be sticking out, but should be aligned with the rest of the body. And the shoulder should also be kept squared, not leaning in. This not will not only train the body proper posture, but according to Bess H. Marcus and LeighAnn Forsyth, authors of the book "Motivating People To Be Physically Active," it can also make a person look thinner.
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Marcus and Forsyth also recommend keeping your head up. The top part of the spine, too, needs to be aligned with the rest of the spine. Look straight ahead at all times for a straight neck, not down. This will greatly reduce chronic neck pain.
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References
- Photo Credit woman posture image by dip from Fotolia.com
