Health and Fitness Information Center

Posture, Part 4

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Many computers now have programs that alert you every hour with a message to get up and move. Even though it sounds silly, there are lots of people who become so engrossed in what they’re working on that they wouldn’t get up without some sort of cue.

Every hour you’re working get up for three to five minutes and stretch. Take a few deep breaths and if you can, take a walk of at least a few steps. Gently roll your head around and stretch out your wrists. Make some circles with your arms. When you sit back down, sit down in a proper postural position.

The ideas mentioned here don’t replace a fitness routine, but thinking about and taking small steps to improve your posture can save you possible pain and discomfort in the big picture of your life. Believe it or not, it will probably also increase the amount of energy you feel compared to slouching in a chair for hours on end. If you sat up straighter while you were reading this article, you’re off to a good start!