Did you know that bad posture is one of the leading reasons of lower back aches, pains and even headaches? The way you hold yourself can have a significant influence on injuries as well as overall wellness and reduction of aches and pains.

Exercises to Improve Posture

There are some exercise routines that you can do to improve your posture and overall well-being.

Pilates – this exercise routine is all about using your core to improve the way you hold yourself. Using the stomach, back and pelvis to improve strength and overall posture can significantly reduce pain in your lower back and spine.

Pilates can also help to reduce stress placed on the legs, hips and feet incorrect movement. Additionally, Pilates helps to take unnecessary pressure off of your internal organs.

Yoga – It does not matter which style of yoga you wish to pursue because all types of yoga help to improve posture and flexibility. This is because all types of yoga help to stretch muscles and relieve tension.

Alexander Technique – This uncommon technique was developed to free the body of formed habits that cause it to move more slowly and inefficiently by re-teaching the essentials of movement. This will not be a quick fix, seeing as you are rel-learning habits, but it can lead to a better, more healthy life and should definitely be considered.

Feldenkrais – An even less common method is the Feldenkrais technique. This technique helps to create an awareness of movement patterns. Students are taught to constantly recognize and adjust body positioning. Energy, vitality and flexibility are thought to increase with just one session.

In addition to understanding how to get a perfect posture, it is important to know what a good posture is.
Here are a few easy steps to understand how to have a better posture so that you can understand what you are working towards.

A Good Desk Posture

1. While standing, place your thumbs on your hip bones and your forefingers on your pubic bone and tilt your pelvis so that the bones are level.
2. Sit down while maintaining this posture as best you can. Keep a small curve at the base of your spine.
3. While sitting, place your feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart ,facing exactly forward. Your hips and knees should be bent at a 90 degree angle
4. Roll your shoulders back and down. You should feel your chest becoming broad and your shoulder blades roll slowly down your back.
5. The head is the last part. Make sure your ears are positioned directly over your shoulders and that your head can move freely. There should be a slight curve at the top of your spine.

When you consistently practice good posture you should quickly notice an improvement in both back and neck pain and headaches may disperse. Having a good posture should help you have improved overall health as well.