Were you ever told to stop slouching by your mum or maybe the teacher screamed at you to sit up straight! Either way, they were right because good posture matters and may help improve your health. While the teacher may have wanted you to stand as stiff as a soldier stands to attention, there is more to improving your posture than standing up straight and looking good.

 

Exercises to help improve your posture

Whether you have spent years slouching or you are spending too long at the office chair, it is never too or too early to improve your posture. 

 

Here are some exercises that can help improve your posture:

  • Regular Exercise - Starting with a 10-minute walk each day can help improve your general health and posture
  • Stand tall - This does not mean standing as stiff as a board! Standing tall is about straightening your spine and moving your shoulders down to their natural resting position
  • The downward-facing dog - The downward-facing dog is used to help balance the body while also aligning your back muscles. 
  • Pigeon Pose - The Pigeon Pose helps stretch your hips and lower back. When performed correctly, it may increase flexibility and help loosen your hamstrings and glutes. 
  • Cat-Cow - The cat-cow exercise can relieve tension in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
  • Child’s pose - The child's pose can help stretch and lengthen the spine, glutes and hamstrings. This can also help release tension in your lower back and neck.

 

The importance of good posture during pregnancy

During pregnancy the strain on your back from the weight of your growing baby can cause back pain and discomfort. Additionally, as your body prepares you for labour, your ligaments naturally become softer and stretch. This can also place strain and pressure on your joints, lower back and pelvis. Using correct posture can help prevent and even ease some of the pain you may experience during pregnancy.