Tips for Perfect Posture

Posture is as much a part of one’s well being as the food they eat or their daily exercises, yet it’s something that we often neglect. Dr. Casen, from the Drugless Doctor discusses the benefits and tips for having the perfect posture and how having poor posture affects your health!

Dr. Casen-

I have seen an increase number of our practice member’s coming into our office after a day at the office complaining of upper back tightness and rounded shoulders.  I then ask them THE QUESTION: Have you stretched today?  Many people don’t get up and move while they’re working.  It’s so important to know what exercises you can be doing when you’re not in our office that can help you better your posture.  I found this great article that gives us some pointers on how to improve posture and a short video what exercises you can do to help.  Enjoy!

Do you slouch in your office chair at work? Are you starting to notice rounded shoulders with your neck protruding forward? Do you stand up at 5 P.M. and feel like your back resembles a question mark?

If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you are part of a growing trend of people who experience postural problems from our culture’s constant state of sitting.

Slouching throughout the day forces chest muscles to tighten, which in turn pulls the spine forward and rotates the shoulders inward, all while weakening the muscles of the upper back that aid in posture. In other words, you start looking like a hunchback and may experience pain in your neck, lower back, and even arms and legs.

Not only can poor posture have negative effects on your physique (increased belly fat, double chin and varicose veins), it can also have serious implications on your health (heart strain, pinched nerves). Plus, if you’re a go-getter, posture is a must! In today’s culture, good posture communicates confidence, alertness and strength. All of these are key traits of success. Considering these facts, I thought I’d share a few of my best tips for keeping your posture in check:

Tips for Perfect Posture

• Work it OUT. Follow a balanced exercise program that incorporates corrective exercises for good posture. Try exercises that relieve chest tightness, strengthen upper back muscles, and strengthen your core. Choose to work these exercises into your routine regularly. Not sure which exercises to do? Lucky for you I designed a posture workout just for you. These exercises are a sample of what you can do to improve your posture and look as tall as you feel. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program and you are good to go!
  • Time it. Human beings are not designed to sit in an office all day, we are built to move!  Every hour, get out of your office chair and move. Even 1-2 minutes of simple chest opening exercises and stretches can work wonders.
  • Think up! If you feel your head or shoulders jut forward, pull them back and act as if a string were pulling you up from the top of your head.
  • Sit Tall.  Establish good posture at your desk: Sit with your back against your chair and feet flat on the floor. When you look at a computer screen, your eyes should be level with the center of it. If they aren’t, raise or lower the monitor.
  • Remind yourself. As with all new habits, remind yourself often to straighten up!

Caroline’s 8 minute postural exercise video! A must watch!

For more videos and tips check out Caroline’s website at: www.carolinefitness.com

Thank you Dr. Casen for these important tips for maintaining the perfect posture!  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important so you can stay active!

Remember…Beauty Begins Within

– Jeffrey Paul 

Dr. Casen DeMaria Dr. Casen DeMaria graduated at Life University. While at Life University she completed her BS in Liberal Arts at Excelsior College.