Posture Improving Work Outs

After working a long 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job of course your back is going to hurt and you're going to feel sluggish, but that all can be corrected.

I know I've done the whole sitting at the end of my chair so as to get closer to the keyboard and stretching over my desk to get a hold of the mouse which eventually does give me an uncomfortable feeling.

What most of us don't realize is that working out your core muscles helps in improving your overall posture, thus less pains at the end of the day.

Sun-Sentinel posted an article in reference to such an issue with suggested exercises, which if practiced on a regular basis can make a big difference.

The first exercise mentioned was the Warrior 1 Yoga Pose, which stretches out the hip flexor muscles.

Step forward into a lunge with hips facing forward. Draw in your abdominal muscles toward your spine, sink your hips down and straighten your back leg while ligting your chest. Keep each leg extended for 20 seconds and repeat two or three times.

The Supermans exercise helps build lower and upper back muscles.

A stability ball [which can be purchased at Target] is needed for this exercise, as you will be sitting on the ball with both feet on the floor and your knees bent to make a 90-degree angle. Lie on the ball, facing down, with your legs outstretched and your arms in front of you. Position yourself so that you are still able to lift the weights that will be on the floor in front of you.

Take a deep breath in and while exhaling, draw your shoulder blades together and down. Lift the dumbbells off the floor and begin to lift your chest up off the ball. Lift yourself as high as you can and then lower yourself back down to the starting position. Repeat this move 10-15 times.

The last one mentioned was leg lifts, which is perfect for your abdominal muscles.

For this one you'll be required to lie on the floor with your legs straight up in the air. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointed out. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor and maintain this position for the entire exercise.

While breathing in, slowly lower your legs to 45-degrees [or until you begin to feel your lower back come off the floor]. While breathing in, bring your legs back up to the starting position by pulling in your abdominal muscles. Repeat this move 10-15 times.

These exercises, along with others, will assist you in having that proper office posture which will making working that much easier.

Try them out and let me know how they work for you.