Hey there, it’s your friendly neighborhood posture guide here 🕺! As we all know, posture is everything. It not only affects how we look but also how we feel and move. Poor posture can cause a host of problems, including back pain and decreased mobility. But the good news is that there are exercises that can help improve your posture and alignment. Let’s dive in!

1. Shoulder Blade Squeeze

The shoulder blade squeeze is a simple exercise that can help alleviate stress in the upper back. Sit down with your arms at your sides, then roll your shoulders back and down. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if you’re trying to hold a pencil between them. Hold for five seconds, then release. Repeat for 3 sets of 10.

A person sitting down and squeezing their shoulder blades together.

2. Wall Angels

Wall angels are an excellent exercise for improving posture, especially in the upper back and shoulders. Stand with your back against a wall and your feet about six inches away from the wall. Raise your arms to shoulder height and bend your elbows to place your forearms against the wall. Slowly raise your arms up above your head, then back down to shoulder height. Repeat for 3 sets of 10.

A person standing against a wall and raising their arms up and down.

3. Plank

The plank exercise is great for strengthening the core and improving posture. Start by getting into a push-up position, then lower yourself onto your forearms. Make sure your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders and your body forms a straight line from head to heels. Hold this position for as long as you can, aiming for at least 30 seconds.

A person holding a plank position, with elbows on the ground and body in a straight line.

4. Cat-Cow Stretch

The cat-cow stretch is a simple exercise that can help alleviate tension in the upper back and neck. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest and pulling your belly button towards your spine. Repeat for 10 repetitions.

A person on their hands and knees, arching and rounding their back.

5. Hip Flexor Stretch

The hip flexor stretch is essential for improving posture and alignment, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle. Kneel down on one knee, then bring the other foot forward until your knee is at a 90-degree angle. Keep your torso upright and press your hips forward until you feel a stretch in your hip flexors. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

A person kneeling down on one knee and stretching their hip flexors.

Now that you’ve learned some exercises to improve your posture, it’s time to put them into practice! Remember to be consistent and patient – it takes time to develop good posture habits. Hope these exercises help you as much as they have helped me! 😃

A person standing tall with good posture.