Make Sure to Stretch and Exercise
"Stretching and exercising are critical in preventing and combating the ill effects stemming from pandemic-related back, neck and posture problems," says Jenai. "It is important to not let our bodies accommodate and adapt to poor posture and counterproductive activities. Daily exercise and stretching, emphasizing on moving muscles and joints through a full range of movement, are well worth the time and effort."
Start by focusing on your core (which includes your entire front, back and sides, not just your abs). The goal isn't to achieve a six-pack, but rather to improve the strength and flexibility of your core so you're more supported. Balancing exercises, Superman poses and deadlifts are all examples of core-strengthening exercises.
You should also focus on correcting posture issues, such as slumped shoulders and a curved back. Using a foam roller, like this one from Amazon Basics, $15.49, can help reverse that slumping. Tip: There are lots of YouTube videos to walk you through the exercises.
Finally, yoga, core exercises and light-to-medium impact exercise are great ways to ease yourself back into more cardio and intense workouts.
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