STAND UP STRAIGHT

It’s not just your parents and grandparents telling you to do

so. The way in which you hold your body when standing and sitting is fundamental to every movement your body makes. If your posture isn’t optimal, it will cause stress on your muscles as they work harder to keep you balanced and upright. Over time, with an incorrect posture, muscles will become tight and inflexible, which causes muscles to lose the ability to deal with the forces of gravity – hello slouching! Poor posture has also been linked to wear and tear on ligaments and joints, scoliosis, tension headaches and, simply, back pain.

Not sure what good posture is? When looking side on, you should be able to draw a straight line directly down your body from just in front of your shoulder, through your hips, the front of your knee and just in front of your ankle. This posture allows movement with the least amount of muscle strain. Need help?

• Make sure computers and mobile devices are viewed at eye height, to prevent your neck from tilting downwards and your back slouching.

• Sleep on your side with your neck supported and a pillow between your legs.

• Get active! Movement encourages your muscles and joints to keep active, ensuring they don’t lock into position.

• If you’re still worried about your posture talk to a physiotherapist.