Better Health With 4 Simple Exercises |
|
Better Health With 4 Simple Exercises |
|
by David A. Morton D.C. Correct posture is a boon to your health, while incorrect posture will lead to multiple biomechanical problems. Should you feel that your posture is somewhat lacking, these little exercises will make a big difference. Like all exercises, give them time. Time to retrain different muscles and time to realign the major holding ligaments of the spine and legs. 1. Squeeze the Knees Sit on the edge of a firm chair, and arch your back by rolling your hips forward. Make sure your feet are flat on the floor shoulder width apart. Fold a pillow between your knees. Gently squeeze the pillow for 5 to10 seconds, at the same time gently pull your shoulder blades together and lift your head up tall with your chin parallel to the floor. Do 2 to 3 sets of 5 repetitions with a 5 to 10 second hold at least once per day. 2. Floor and Wall Sit on the floor with your head and shoulders touching the wall. Place your palms face up resting on your upper thigh with your elbows against your sides and your legs straight out in front of you. Your toes should be pointing up towards the ceiling. Gently pull your toes back towards your groin, tighten your thighs (pushing knee down towards floor), gently squeeze shoulder blades together and lift your head up tall with a gentle chin tuck. Hold this position 3 to 5 seconds and do 2 to 3 sets of 5 repetitions at least once per day. 3. Calf Stretch Simply stand on a step with your feet parallel and shoulder width apart, hold on to the railing or another object for support, and move your feet backward until your heels are just off the step and unsupported by the stair. Let the weight of your body press down into your heels until you feel a stretch in the muscles of the back of the leg, gently pull your shoulder blades towards each other and lift your head up tall as if standing at attention (chin tuck). Do 2-3 sets of 5 repetitions with a 5 to 10 second hold at least once per day (twice a day is better). This exercise will re-establish the kinesiological balance from between the ankles all the way up to the neck. An added goal, as you progress and begin to find this exercise easier to do, is to bring your heels back to parallel to the step and lift even higher. Hold for at least 10 seconds, working towards 20 seconds, three times. CAUTION: Be careful with the leg stretch component. Should you feel any discomfort, such as pain or burning to the tendon just behind and above the ankle (Achilles Tendon) discontinue these exercises immediately and consult your health care professional. 4. Posture Improver Stand with your back to a wall with your feet as close to the wall as you can. Without bending the knees attempt to flatten your lower back to the wall. It can be visualized as a piece of two by four wood on the outside of the hips. The top part of the wood goes toward the wall while the bottom part goes out. This is also called a pelvic tilt. Hold this position for a count of ten, relax and repeat again. When finished this time walk away from the wall holding that posture. Great for chronic low back pain. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
![]() |
ROOT= High Technology + Stable Quality + Competitive Price + Perfect Service