IF YOU DO ONE THING TODAY...

CARRY YOUR BAG IN BOTH HANDS

A COMMON bad habit we all get into is the terrible way we carry our bags. Whether it’s a handbag carried in the crook of the arm or a rucksack slung over one shoulder, the unequal distribution of weight can have an impact on posture and a knock-on effect on the muscles and bones.

Neck, shoulder and back pain can all be exacerbated and even caused by bad bag-carrying. As a test, try carrying yours on the opposite side from normal, and see how odd it feels. That shows how we develop a ‘stronger side’ when it comes to this simple every task.

The remedy? As silly as it may look, try carrying your bag in both hands, in front of your chest. Not only will in challenge the imbalance, it’ll also help improve back and arm muscle tone. Give it a go, and ignore those sideways glances from strangers!

First, adopt the correct form: open out your chest by sticking it out and drawing your shoulder blades together. Keep elbows by your side and don’t allow your shoulders to rotate. Engage your core by tilting the hips slightly inwards, while squeezing your buttocks.

Now, hold your bag in both hands, in front of your chest, so the weight is distributed evenly. If you have a squashy handbag, play about a bit with the grip to find a comfortable way of holding it.

See how far you can walk down the street before feeling the burn in your core, biceps, medial deltoids (centre of shoulder muscle), legs and upper back.

Doing this will prompt your body to work in the right way by realigning the muscles and encouraging balance.

This will also help eliminate upper-back, shoulder and neck pains by strengthening the trapezius and rhomboid (neck) muscles that help hold your shoulders in the right place.