The Best Exercise for Bad Posture

Exercise isn’t always about fat loss or getting a rush of endorphins. It’s also something which can have a dramatic effect on your posture. Whether you want the lean look of a ballet teacher, or the cool poise of a Pilates guru, it all begins with posture.

Good posture is a sign that the muscles in your body are properly balanced. When your body is unbalanced, the joints in your shoulders, spine, hips and knees will not be working correctly – some over used and others under used. When you improve your posture you improve your ability to do things more efficiently, whether it is walking up a flight of stairs, indoor cycling, or other active sports.

Anything that strengthens and focuses on your core will help to improve your posture. The lower back and abdominal muscles which run to your pelvis and spine move your torso through flexing, rotating and extending. Here is ONE LDN’s ultimate guide to the best exercise for bad posture:

#1 Leg Extensions

This exercise will train your core muscles to work together. Lie on the floor with bent knees, keeping the soles of your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head and press the base of your back into the floor, lifting your head. As you breath out, pull one knee up towards your chest and extend your other leg, keeping it at a 45 degree angle from the floor. Alternate legs and aim for ten repetitions on each side.

#2 Curl-Ups

This exercise works out your abs and obliques which will strengthen your core. Lie on the floor with bent knees, keeping the soles of your feet flat on the ground, placing hands behind your head. As you breathe out, bring your head and shoulders up from the floor and hold for three beats. Slowly lower back into the starting position, and repeat five times.

#3 The Plank

The plank is notorious for being rather a tough position, but it engages multiple muscle groups at once, and will drastically improve your posture. Lying on your front, with your forearms forming a triangle on the floor in front of you, push up from your toes to form a straight line. Engage abs and glutes and hold the position as long as you can before slowly lowering back to the start. Repeat three times.

Exercising with an injury of any kind is always something that should be done with caution, and never without the advice of a professional gym instructor or physiotherapist.

See Also

The Best Exercise For A Bad Back

The Best Exercise For Bad Hips

The Best Exercise for Bad Knees

The Best Exercise for a Bad Neck