Good Posture for Healthy Spine

The Guide to Perfect Posture in 30 Days.

Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities. The article provides illustrations and instructions for correct lifting, driving, sitting, and sleeping positions.

Want the lean look and elegant stance of a yoga or pilates teacher? It all starts with good posture. The best way to improve your posture is to focus on exercises that strengthen your core -- the abdominal and low back muscles that connect to your spine and pelvis. Some of these muscles move your torso by flexing, extending, or rotating your spine. Others stabilize your pelvis and spine in a natural, neutral position.

Make these posture-boosting exercises a regular part of your routine. Remember to exhale strongly and pull in your core muscles as you work -- a key principle in both pilates and yoga.

Getting that perfect spine back isn’t going to be a quick fix. You’ll need consistency, awareness, and dedication.

Over the next 30 days, our movements and exercises will help you:

• loosen up muscles
• increase body awareness
• strengthen your core
• realign your body’s joints