Don’t Slouch! May is “Correct Your Posture Month”

You’re probably sitting down reading this, and oops, you just realized that you weren’t sitting up straight. We get it. In a world of Netflix binges and increasing screen time, we all need a constant reminder about posture. Fortunately, there’s an entire month dedicated to correcting our posture!

Give Yourself a Posture Check

From work to exercise, our daily routines shape our bodies. Especially as we spend more time hunched over tablets and phones, it’s a good idea to become aware of how our habits impact our health.

Did You Know?

• College students and entrepreneurs spend ~8 to 10 hours a day on their cell phones, creating neck pain and loss of mobility.
• 1 out of 4 adults in America has suffered back pain in the past three months!
• People who spend 12 hours or more per day seated are at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, and life-threatening falls.

“People with strong posture feel better, move better, have higher energy levels, and a more positive outlook on life.” – Dr. Steven Weiniger

Control Your Motion to Improve Posture

Not only does a strong posture help you look your best, but it also reduces the risk of injury. Simply, standing up means using 640 muscles working properly to balance without pain.

Core strength is essential for strong posture, so take action and improve your posture. Controlled motion exercises like Yoga, Pilates, and mobility exercises. Exercising with focused attention on posture can improve function, motion, confidence, and reduce pain.

Ready to make that posture adjustment?! A strong posture can have a dramatic impact on your health.

Here are a few at-home posture exercises you can try:

1. Pigeon Pose: This hip opener also loosens up your spine, hamstrings, and glutes. The pigeon pose can also help to stretch your sciatic nerve and quads. Opening and stretching these places in your body makes it easier to correct imbalances in your posture.
2. Child’s Pose: This resting pose allows you to stretch and lengthen your spine and hamstrings. Holding child’s pose for a few deep breaths helps release lower back tension.
3. Cat Cow: This stretch works to massage your spine and relieve tension. You can do this exercise standing if floor work is too challenging.

Trainer Tip: Mind that form! Poor form when exercising can undermine function and performance increasing your risk for injury! Don’t worry our Trainers have your back…

Creating A “Posture Smart” Environment

People sit an average of 13 hours a day, sleep an average of 7 hours a day, leaving just 4 hours a day to be active!

Sitting folds your body, which restricts breathing and circulation and has a serious negative impact on your health. If your job requires a lot of sitting, choose a chair or standing desk that encourages correct posture. You can also try a seat support or wedge that supports from beneath by gently tilting the hips forward.

Trainer Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or computer to take frequent movement breaks or invest in that fitness tracker already! Even standing for a few minutes an hour can help.

Improve Your Posture

Posture is so important to your overall health. For more information on how you can improve your posture, click here. Of course, our Tampa, FL health and fitness experts are available to help create an integrated approach to your fitness, recovery, and mobility. Call or text Driven Fit + SWS in South Tampa today!