12 Exercises to Improve Your Posture

You may be able to fix or correct your posture over time with a combination of yoga, stretching, and exercises designed to stretch and lengthen the spinHaving good posture is about more than looks. It helps you to develop strength, flexibility, and balance in your body. These can all lead to less muscle pain and more energy throughout the daProper posture can also reduceTrusted Source stress on your muscles and ligaments, which can reduce your risk of injuryThere may even be

mental health benefits. A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that upright posture can help increase positive affect, decrease negative self-focus, and reduce fatigue in people with mild-to-moderate depressioA 2018 studyTrusted Source found that adopting an expansive posture may also improve body-related emotions, including body image satisfaction and self-appraisaReady to get started? Read on to learn how to do 12 exercises that’ll help you sit a little talle1. Child’s

PoGif by Active Body. Creative MiChild’s pose stretches and lengthens your spine, glutes, and hamstrings. It may also release tension in your lower back and neckTo do this posSit on your shins with your knees together, your big toes touching, and your heels splayed out to the siFold forward at your hips and walk your hands out in front of yoSink your hips back down toward your feet. If your thighs won’t go all the way down, place a pillow or folded blanket under them for

suppoGently place your forehead on the floor or turn your head to one siKeep your arms extended or rest them along your bodBreathe deeply into the bof your rib cage and waisRelax in this pose for up to 5 minutes while continuing to breathe deepl2. Forward foGif by Active Body. Creative MiThis standing stretch releases tension in your spine, glutes, and hamstrings. It also stretches your hips and legTo do this posStand with your big toes touching and your heslightly apaBring

your hands to your hips and fold forward at your hiRelease your hands toward the floor or place them on a block. Don’t worry if your hands don’t touch the ground — just go as far as you cBend your knees slightly, soften your hips, and allow your spine to lengthTuck your chin into your chest and allow your head to fall heavy to the flooRemain in this pose for up to 1 minute.