Monday… Tuesday… Wednesday… as the week passes and we spend long hours sitting at a desk in front of a computer, our posture suffers and muscles  tighten – Don’t let it!

Good posture and flexibility are  critical to maintain a healthy body, physically and mentally.

Each hour allow yourself at least 5 minutes to look away from the computer screen, stand up, stretch, and walk around the room.

Here’s why:

• You will be more confident:  Raise your head and put your shoulders back. A hunched over posture decreases confidence.
• Your circulation will improve.  An upright posture expands lung capacity and enables you to breathe deeper, facilitating with oxygen transport and circulation.
• Your risk of injury diminishes.  A hunched over posture creates back pain, especially in the lower region.  Further, sitting all day can lead to tight hip flexors (muscles in front of your hips).
• You will relieve muscle tension.  Poor posture creates tight muscles because your bones (spine) are not in proper alignment and your muscles are supporting the weight of your head and upper body. Stress can play a large role too! 

Bottom Line:  Sit up straight and move!  

Reference:

Discovery Fit & Health Blog.  “4 Reasons Why Good Posture is So Important.”  Posted March 5, 2014.  doi://http://blogs.discovery.com/dfh-sara-novak/2014/03/7-reasons-why-good-posture-is-so-important.html?_ga=1.141086647.466609972.1389903737#mkcpgn=fbdh4.  Accessed March 11, 2014.