Modern life often means spending hours sitting at your desk all day, which can leave you feeling stiff and tight, with discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and back. Many of us are looking to improve our posture – so that we feel taller, stronger, more confident and avoid or improve any discomfort.
These posture-improving classes are quick, simple ways to build strength, create better core stability, and increase mobility and flexibility.
Top tips for improving your posture:
1. Awareness
The first step to improving your posture is to become aware of how your body currently feels – how you're sitting, standing, and holding yourself? The more you learn to stand tall and implement healthy habits through posture-strengthening classes, the easier it’ll be to bring those cues into your day-to-day, helping you reset your posture over time.
2. Strengthen your core
Working on our core muscles is key for good posture. Your core supports your spine, so ensuring those muscles are strong and engaged will make a huge difference.
3. Do specific posture exercises
While most exercise classes will help improve posture to a degree, choosing classes designed to increase spinal mobility, build core muscles, and strengthen your back will make the biggest difference. Be consistent with those classes, and add them to your weekly routine.
4. Stretch regularly
Improving your flexibility and alleviating muscle tension will also help to improve your posture, so be mindful to add a few stretchy yoga classes to your regular exercise schedule.
5. Regular check-ins
Check in with your posture throughout the day. Check whether your neck is aligned with your spine, or whether you’ve got ‘tech neck’, where you strain forward to look at your phone or computer. Use a mirror to check your posture, the visual feedback will help to ensure you stay aligned.
6. Get moving
If you’ve got a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting down then make sure you get up every hour for a quick walk around or a gentle stretch, this helps prevent stiffness and slouching.