Why is Posture Important?

Improper posture can make our bodies feel like a twisted pretzel by the end of the day. Why does this happen? The simple answer is gravity! When we have proper alignment and posture, our spines are capable of dissipating the load of gravity correctly and efficiently. But when we have poor posture or work with poor posture for too long, our body loses its ability to dissipate forces correctly. Your spine, muscles, ligaments, and nerves will most definitely let you know through symptoms such as soreness, pain, tightness, and irritability, to name a few. These symptoms are a protection mechanism of your body telling you to change your habits. So, what can we do? Well, besides going to your local chiropractor to have your posture checked, you can begin some simple postural exercises to counter the effects of poor posture.

What are the exercises, and why does my kid need them?

Even though our kids may seem indestructible sometimes, they have their limits. It is important to start good habits early with posture, as it is key to preventing future health conditions. Now more than ever, our kids have been stuck inside and unable to move as much as their little bodies want them to in order to stay healthy. Therefore, these simple postural exercises are an excellent break from all the sitting, and can help keep their spines straight and healthy!

1. The Hummingbird – Raise your arms above your head but bend the elbows at 90 degrees. Make small circles forward and back ten times. Bonus if you tweet like a bird!
2. The Triangle – Spread your legs a little further than shoulder-width apart. Bend to one side, placing your elbow on your leg. Raise the opposite arm of the side you bend straight above your head so your bicep touches your ear. You should look like a triangle.
3. The Twisted Lizard – Start in a push up position. Bring one foot on the outside of your hand and let the opposite knee drop to the ground. For a more intense stretch, drop your elbows to the ground!
4. The Cobra – Lay flat on the ground face down. Place your hands next to your chest so that they are underneath your shoulders. Gently press your chest up keeping your legs on the ground. Look straight ahead. Bonus – hiss like a snake!

Remember, these exercises may seem really simple and that’s the point! The secret sauce of doing an exercise is consistency! We don’t just wake up after one session at the gym and have a perfect six pack, and your kids won’t immediately see a change in their posture after a week of these exercises. It is the daily habits that help them become the best versions of themselves.

How often should they do these exercises?

Ideally every day! But at a minimum, three times a week will be enough to show benefit and bring strength over a period of time, and that only takes a few min each day!

Corrective Chiropractic in King of Prussia can provide tips on making your child’s or your workplace as ergonomically friendly as possible, just ask! For more information about how to help your child’s posture during these times or if you wish to have your child’s posture checked visit Corrective Chiropractic. Mention this post and receive 50 dollars off your first visit!

Corrective Chiropractic – King of Prussia

610.628.3591

kop@correctivechiropractic.com

https://www.correctivechiropractic.com/king-of-prussia/

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