My posture is terrible. I suddenly become conscious of my shoulders being hunched, which I think makes me look older. I’ve tried standing up straighter but it’s uncomfortable – are there some exercises that might help?
Absolutely! Check your posture by standing with your back flat against a wall to ensure you can press your shoulder blades and your head against it. Now run through this check list:
- Keep your chin parallel to the floor and back of your neck long
- Lift your ribs from the hips
- Tighten your abdominal muscles
- Keep your knees soft
This may feel a little uncomfortable at first but persevere until this becomes your natural way to stand.
Try this exercise to tone your upper back and improve posture.
Warm up with a few gentle arms swings and shoulder circles first.
Then sit towards the front half of an upright chair with your feet flat on the floor and knees hip-width apart. Sit up tall and tighten your tummy muscles. Now take your arms backwards and hold onto the chair with both hands, then lean forwards slightly so you feel a stretch across the front of your chest and your shoulders are drawn back.
Hold for about 10 seconds – count out loud so you can’t hold your breath and don’t stick your chin out or arch your back. Repeat 3 or 4 times a week; remember to stop if it’s painful.
Your hunching may be due to osteoporosis so do check with your GP and find out more at The National Osteoporosis Society www.nos.org.uk
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