Try these posture-improving exercises

SALT LAKE CITY – Posture is a health-related issue that often gets overlooked. Frequent stretching, supportive footwear, and a flat backpack all play a role in improving your posture.

In the latest Let’s Get Moving with Maria podcast episode, Maria Shilaos spoke with Fascia and Posture Expert Dr. Liza Egbogah to learn some posture-improving exercises that can help fix the top posture mistakes people make.

Having good posture means our body is in alignment. When we’re aligned in good posture, that makes every system in our body work better. Stronger muscles, better digestion, less inflammation, and better sleep are all examples of how we function with good posture.

Then there’s the mental health aspect.

“Studies have shown that when you’re in a good posture… our body will actually produce more endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals in our bodies,” Dr. Liza said.

On the other hand, poor posture will produce more cortisol, which are stress hormones. A big reason why this is so common is because of frequent use of devices. Dr. Liza says when we’re on our phone, our body creates a “croissant posture.”

“You’re curled over your phone, so your head goes forward. You’re looking down. Your shoulders roll forward. Your whole spine curves forward. That is the stepping stone for poor posture,” she said.

Improving bad posture is all about balance and making sure you’re not in the same position for too long.

“When we think of that croissant folding forward, we want to do activities where we’re actually bending back to balance it out,” Dr. Liza said.

Having a strong core will also help support your spine. Some other posture-improving exercises Dr. Liza suggests include planks and pec stretches.

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