He suggests the key to improving posture is to focus on muscle strengthening and being active.
The important muscles are those which connect the spine and pelvis to the abdomen (tummy) and lower back. These muscles are commonly called ‘core’ and people talk about having good ‘core’ strength to prevent the onset of back problems and to help alleviate pain should it occur.
Exercises to assist good posture
Pectoral stretch
One of the easiest stretches of improving posture is to use a door frame and stretch the pectoral (chest) muscles.
This involves 4 steps:
- Place your arm at a 90 degree angle
- Lean forward to feel a stretch in the chest
- Hold for 30 seconds
- Repeat on the other arm
This is a great exercise for people with sedentary work as it can be done in the office every 20 to 30 minutes and it gets you up and moving around.
Back stretch
The second stretch for improving posture utilizes a foam roller:
- Lie with a foam roller or rolled towel vertically down your back
- Bring arms to a 90 degree angle (make a ‘T’)
- Stretch shoulder blades towards the floor
Back stretch
Mr. Kosta says doing five minutes of back stretches each day is effective as it counteracts the body’s tendency to hunch and is perfect for improving posture.
The Proper Way To Use A Standing Desk
Ultimate guide for setting your desk
“Remember, everyone is different and should be able to adjust their workspace to their own needs. Some of us have longer arms, or shorter legs. Some of us have weaker knees, or flatter foot arches. No matter what your specific needs are, the advantage of height-adjustable desks is their versatile nature – they can be customized to suit everyone.”
