Having proper posture limits the stress placed on your ligaments, tendons and muscles, enabling your body to work more efficiently. It also decreases wear and tear on your joints, says Declan Halpin, physiotherapist at Radiance PhysioFit. Here’s how to practise proper posture throughout the day.
EXERCISE IS VITAL
“Whether it is yoga or pilates, a tough gym session or just a gentle jog, exercise helps you to maintain strong back and core muscles. This, in turn, will allow you to achieve good posture and breathe better,” Declan advises.
CUE YOURSELF
Build cues into your daily routine to remind yourself to reassess your posture. “For instance, every time your mobile phone rings, check your posture before answering the phone,” he suggests.
USE AN ERGONOMIC CHAIR
If you’re deskbound, ergonomic chairs can be a good investment. “Sit with your feet on the ground, with your back pushed into the backrest. Your knees should be level with, or slightly below, your hips,” Declan says.
CHECK YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN
The top of it should be level with your eyes. “Make sure you’re not craning to see what’s on-screen – your head should be over your shoulders,” Declan says.
This article was originally published in Simply Her January 2015.