Hold in Your Abs
In other words, engage your core, always. "By holding in your abs before you move, your body will want to choose the correct muscles to perform the movement instead of always choosing your low back or neck, whether it's getting out of a chair, or walking through the mall", says Eisenstadt. If you're feeling like you need to strengthen your core, then find an exercise video on YouTube or a local cardio or strength training class in order to get those muscles working!
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Lift Properly
Do you ever feel like a summer Santa Claus traipsing around with your satchels full of laundry and groceries? Instead of hunching over like our favorite jolly Christmas icon, "Take a wide stance, and bend from your knees and hips, versus leaning over from your low back", explains Eisenstadt. "Most low backs are weak areas for people because they sit all day and are easily injured." So take extra care and don't ho-ho-hold onto pain and strain in vulnerable parts of your body.
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Be Proud!
A big component of poor posture is often self-esteem. According to Eisenstadt, "Poor posture carries an energy with it. It can read as a lack of self confidence or closed communication... by correcting posture, we also inadvertently heal issues emotionally connected to imbalance."
So hold in your core, roll your shoulders back, tell yourself some affirming words, and strut out into the world proudly! You'll be sure to feel happy, energized, and turn some heads while you're at it.
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Yoga
Yoga is a great way to maintain your posture. It targets various muscle groups and strengthens your body as a whole. Cobra and triangle poses are great ways to reverse that slouched posture you've adopted from sitting at your desk all day. Find a local yoga class, or take 10 minutes in the morning or evening to do a few quick stretches. (If you're really pressed for time, you can even do a little yoga at your desk.)
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Be Smart
We know all of you reading this article are already smart people, but it's time to get smart about your posture too! "If your job entails being seated for 10 hours a day, make sure to get into good habits of stretching, exercising and drinking enough water to balance out the tightness you get from being in one position for so long", says Eisenstadt. So, what's your day like? Honestly assess the positions your body is in all day long and make a plan for combating poor posture!
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