Good Posture Benefits + 3 Exercises To Improve Your Posture

You’ve probably been told at some point in your life to stand up straight, but do you know why having good posture is so important? Good posture has a surprising number of health benefits that will keep you feeling good for years to come. Here are some of the most important benefits of good posture. 

  • Sitting up straight helps reduce pressure on your internal organs, namely your digestive system. Good posture can prevent digestive issues and internal discomfort. It can also help improve your lung capacity. 
  • When you keep your spine properly aligned, you are reducing pressure on the joints and muscles throughout the body. Specifically, you’ll experience reduced lower back pain, and you will be less likely to develop tension in your neck and back as well. This can actually reduce your likelihood of getting headaches too. 
  • When you sit or stand with poor posture, your muscles have to work in a way they aren’t actually intended to, which can be very tiring. When you maintain good posture, you might actually find you have more energy. 
  • Poor posture can force the joints in your spine to wear down over time, causing issues like slipped discs and general joint pain. Using good posture when you sit and stand can help your joints stay healthy for a longer period of time. 

If you want to improve your posture, there are plenty of helpful exercises you can do. Strengthening certain muscles will make it easier for you to hold your spine in place. Here are some of the best exercises for good posture. 

  • The cat-cow stretch in yoga is a great way to increase mobility in your spine. It’s also something that is very easy to do at home. Start on your hands and knees, keeping them aligned with your hips and shoulders. Push your head and your hips up towards the ceiling, pushing your stomach towards the floor. Then, pull your head down so that your chin is toward your chest and your back is rounded. 

  • Toning your obliques with side planks can help improve your posture, especially in the lower back. This exercise can also help build up strength in your arms and shoulders. You can do a side plank on your forearm or a fully extended arm, but just make sure that your arm is aligned with your shoulder and you keep your body as straight as possible. Do the exercise the same amount of times on both sides to stay balanced. 

  • Tricep dips are an excellent way to strengthen your arms while engaging your back and abs in a way that encourages effective posture. Hold onto a chair and use your arms to lower your body almost all the way to the floor, bending your knees as you go. Then, push yourself back up and repeat. Keep your shoulders straight and your core engaged as you are working out for the best results.