Young Lady/Man...Sit UP Straight!

You've heard it before. "Sit up straight!" The pros make it look easy, but it's not.

Here are some exercises and reminders to keep your body feeling young and alive:

1. While sitting, drop your shoulders down, and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for two seconds, and release. Do this five to ten times hourly while sitting. It'll strengthen your back, and help your shoulders not to slump. (tip: keep your chin tucked in slightly, so as to not hyperextend your neck) 

2. While standing, don't lock your knees. This decreases blood flow, and doesn't engage your muscles as much while you're standing. If you'll be standing for a long time (like at a concert, or at a presentation, try simultaneously clenching your butt muscles and tucking in your lower tummy: this supports your lower back, and prevents your lower back from tilting and cause lower back pain. (This is especially important if you wear heals often)

3. Get a move on! If you've been sitting for more than a half an hour at a time, get up and walk a bit. Staying dormant in one position (especially hunched over a desk) is hard on your joints, and encourages poor posture.

Remember, practice makes perfect! It might take a while for you to be aware of your posture, but keep at it. It's not easy carrying around your lovely lady lumps, so give your back a helping hand!