Welcome to the ULTIMATE list of ways to improve your posture… everyday!

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Here’s the brutal truth about posture…

A vast majority of us have absolutely shocking posture.

… and it’s becoming an increasingly urgent and growing issue!

• Back pain.
• Shoulder pain.
• Neck pain.
• … You name it. All this pain from bad posture!

If you’re serious about improving your posture, you need to make a DECISION and start to take ACTION.

Your posture is not going to magically fix itself.

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The categories:

I have sorted all of the posture tips into 12 main categories. Feel free to click through!

• General information
• Best exercises for posture
• Walking
• Using the computer
• Sleeping
• Driving/Transport
• Watching TV
• When you need to look down a lot
• Posture devices
• Fashion
• Lifestyle
• The “Not To Do” list

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A) General information

1. Know what the ideal posture is

How can you improve your posture if you do not know exactly what you are aiming for?

It’s not just about “sitting straight” or “standing upright”.

… There is a little bit more to it!

Have a look at this post: The ideal posture to see and feel exactly what your posture should be.

2. Keep your neck elongated

To prevent a forward head posture, imagine someone is constantly pulling the hair on the back of your head up towards the ceiling.

Think about your neck being “long and tall”.

Do NOT let that chin poke forward!

3. Spread your shoulders

Make your shoulders as long and wide as possible.

Imagine this – you are one of those bodybuilders at the gym strutting around and showing off your muscles.

(It’s not just about squeezing the shoulder blades together.)

4. Do not puff out your chest

Puffing out the chest and arching your back is NOT good posture.

Position your chest/rib cage so that it feeds directly into your pelvis.

5. Sit on your sit bones

Your sit bones are those pointy bits at the bottom of your pelvis.

You can’t sit with good posture if your pelvis not in a good position to start off with.

As you sit down, make sure that you are sitting directly on top of the sit bones.

For more information: How to position your pelvis whilst sitting.

6. Stay relaxed!

… Hey you! Loosen up a little!

Having good posture shouldn’t feel like you’re tensing every single muscle in your body.

The aim is to maintain your optimal posture whilst remaining as relaxed as possible.

7. Take hot/warm showers

Heat is fantastic way to relax those tight muscles that are pulling you into a bad posture.

b) Best exercises for posture

8. Chin retraction

Tuck your chin in.

(“Think about the movement as a book sliding back into the shelf”)

Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.

Remember – “where the head goes, the body follows”.

9. Shoulder roll

Draw 30 big circles with your shoulders in a backwards motion.

This will help counteract all the slouching that you have been doing!

10. Thoracic extension

Lie on top of a foam roller or rolled up towel.

Stretch your arms above your head and feel the opening of your chest.

Sustain this position for at least 1 minute.

11. Wall angel

This is definitely my favorite postural exercise of all time.

Here’s what to do – Place the back of your head, shoulders and spine in direct contact with a wall behind you.

Proceed to glide your hands from the W position to the above head position. (see above)

Aim to keep the whole arm in contact with the wall throughout the movement. Feel the burn!

12. Hip flexor stretch

… Do you sit?

My guess would be a Yes!

In fact, I bet that you are sitting down right now whilst reading this.

With prolonged sitting, the hip flexor muscle group will get very tight and can adversely affect your posture.

Stretch them out for 1 minute each!

13. Perform the Utkatasana yoga pose

The direct translation of “Utkatasana” is powerful posture.

With a name like that, this pose must be great for your posture!

Hold this yoga position (see above) for at least 30-60 seconds.

You should feel all your posture muscles working.

Key points:

• Keep your back straight. Do not puff your chest out.
• Lean forward at the hip. (The more you lean forward, the harder this exercise will be.
• Keep your arms in line with your body.
• Remain lengthened and elongated throughout the whole spine.
• Do not flare out your ribs.

14. Give me more exercises!

Hungry for an extensive list of more postural exercises?

Have a look at these other posts:

• Exercises for Rounded shoulders
• 17 exercises to improve your thoracic spine
• Fix your Hunch back posture!

15. Invest in a foam roller

This is a great DIY tool to release those tight areas.

By placing the targeted area over the foam roller and applying your body weight on the top, the pressure will help release the muscle.

16. Get a massage ball

A massage ball is great for the same reason as mentioned above with the foam roller, however, I would say it’s better for areas that require a deeper release.

C) For when you’re walking

17. Start to “Glide walk”

Take long strides as you walk.

Allow your back leg to remain on the ground for just a bit longer before you lift it off the floor.

Why?…

It engages the butt muscles which are very important in the stabilization of the pelvis.

18. Walk with confidence

Walk (… or strut) around as if you were indestructible, confident and strong.

Stay up right!

19. Don’t look at the floor

Unless there is a good reason, you should not fixate your gaze at the ground whilst you are walking.

Look straight ahead.

20. Pretend there is a pole stuck to the back of your head and bottom

This will help you keep a straight and upright torso.

21. Do not lead with your chin

Keep that chin tucked in and remain elongated throughout your spine.

Pretend that you are trying to be the tallest person in the room.

22. Do not walk with your palms facing behind you

This will place your shoulder in a bad position and encourage you to walk with hunched shoulders.

23. Minimize the amount of carrying

This could be your hand bag, back pack, your kids, shopping bags etc… the list goes on.

If you can limit your exposure to lifting whilst walking, this will help reduce the stress on your postural muscles.

d) Using the computer

24. Get an ergonomic assessment

There is absolutely no way you can maintain good posture if your workstation is not designed to support you.

Talk to someone from work to get a health professional to specifically assess your office chair, desk and computer position.

25. Download my FREE E-book: How to set up your workstation

… Can’t get an ergonomic assessment?

No worries!

I’ll teach you exactly what you need to know in my FREE e-book: How to set up your workstation.

(It’s not as difficult as you may think.)

26. Get a kneeling chair

What can I say… Kneeling chairs are awesome!

This chair automatically places your pelvis in a position that encourages you to sit up right.

27. Sit on an exercise ball

Not only are exercise balls great at the gym, they also promote postural strength when you sit on them.

28. Alternate between different chairs

Is it weird to have 2 different chairs that you use in the office?

I don’t think so.

In fact, I actually have 3 different chairs that I use.

Why should one alternate between different chairs?…

It causes us to MOVE!

Sitting all day without moving is a major cause of symptoms that is associated with bad posture!

29. Get an adjustable standing desk

The standing desk will allow you to continue to work on your computer without having the need to sit all of the time.

Remember – the more you can avoid staying in the one position, the less likely you will get stuck in bad posture.

30. Set an alarm every hour

Regular breaks from sitting is the key.

Set an alarm on either your computer or mobile phone to serve as a reminder to get out of your seat.

(… even standing up for 5 seconds will do you good!)

31. Get a posture buddy

Pick someone else in the office who wants to fix their posture.

Your job is to catch the other person slouching and quickly remind them to sit up right!

32. Move around whilst seated

Who says you need to stay completely still when you’re sitting?

Get your body moving!

(Any movement will do.)

It might look weird, but hey, you will be doing your body a favor.

33. Drink water

Another way to make sure you take breaks from sitting is to drink water regularly.

This will force you to get off your chair, walk down the corridor and go the bathroom.

34. Organize a posture workout with your colleagues

What better way to not only improve your posture, but to help your fellow work mates with their posture at the same time.

Take initiative and lead a 2 minute exercise class.

Make it fun. Play some music. Have some laughs.

(You might need to ask permission from your boss first though!)

35. Get rid of arm rests

I have to admit… I have never been a big fan of arm rests.

They often prevent you from getting close to the table and if not set up correctly, can actually encourage you to slouch in your chair.

36. Sit on the edge of the chair

This is particularly useful if your chair lacks lumbar support.

You do not want to mold your body into a chair that does not support you!

37. Use a head set

If you are required to use the phone frequently, do not hold the phone between your ear and shoulder.

38. Learn to touch type

If you require to look down at your keyboard to type for long periods at a time, this will place a significant amount of stress through your postural muscles.

39. Use a laptop dock

Do not use a laptop for an extended period of time!

There is no way to maintain good posture whilst using them.

If you must – make sure that you use a laptop docking station and connect a separate keyboard.

40. Reset your posture muscles

You know you have been sitting for too long when your muscles start to hurt.

When this happens:

• Get off your chair and lie down on your back.
• Keep your knees bent.
• Place your arms out to the side.
• Relax your muscles and focus on flattening your entire spine on the ground.
• Assume this position for at least 1-2 minutes.

E) Sleeping

41. Sleep on your back

This position is the best as it promotes neutral alignment and symmetry.

For more information: The best sleeping posture.

42. Learn how to do “Stretch lying”

Did you know that you can actually stretch your spine whilst you sleep?

Check out this video by the Gokhale Method to find out how.

43. Sleep on your side

If you can not sleep on your back for whatever reason, the next best position is on your side.

Just make sure to keep your spine in a neutral position.

(Keep in mind – we have no control of how our body will move when we are fast asleep! Start in a comfortable position and pray that you will stay there.)

44. Support the small of the neck

If you are sleeping on the side, tuck your  pillow into the curve of your neck.

This is to encourage a more neutral alignment of the neck.

45. Get a memory foam pillow

Since we all come in different shapes and sizes, it is best to get a pillow the molds to your type of neck posture.

46. Use pillow to support body

Once you are in a good position, place pillows around you so that you are as comfortable as possible.

This will reduce the chance that you will move out from the good position into a bad position.

47. Get a firm mattress

The general rule of thumb – the firmer the mattress, the better.

However… it MUST be comfortable!

48. Don’t cuddle whilst sleeping

Hey, I am all for hugs and kisses.

BUT…

Make sure that you aren’t in an awkward position when you do fall asleep!

49. Stretch before you sleep

When you are asleep, you are in the same general position for 7-8 hours which can cause stiffness in the body.

To make sure your muscles are relaxed before sleeping, try incorporating some stretches.

• Neck stretches
• Simple lower back stretches

50. Morning routine

Get into the habit of having a morning routine that involves exercises that encourage a healthy posture.

If you want to see what I personally do, check out this post: My morning routine.

f) Driving/Public transport

51. Sit for half the trip when taking public transport

You don’t have to stay seated the whole trip whilst travelling on a bus/train.

These are the places where most people get lazy and start to slouch.

Get up! Stand up for a bit.

52. Spread your shoulders

When there are a lot of people on the bus/train and it gets quite squashy, many people are forced to compress their posture to avoid rubbing shoulders with their fellow passenger.

Throw courtesy out of the window and spread those shoulders of yours as much as you can.

53. Set up your car seat properly

Ensure that your car seat promotes your best possible posture.

Check out this post: 9 tips to improve your posture… whilst driving to find out how to correctly set up the seat in your car.

54. Stick to cars that are raised

It is very difficult to sit with good posture in any car seat (… especially in lowered/sports cars).

Cars such as a SUV and 4WD tend to allow more leg room and encourage a better sitting posture.

55. Use lumbar support

Most cars these days come with a built-in lumbar support into the car seat.

Use it to support your lower back.

If your car does not have one, consider using a small pillow or rolled up towel to the same effect.

56. Perform red light chin tucks

Every time you are stopped at a red traffic light, take this time to do some neck exercises.

I am a big fan of chin tucks.

57. Drive with your elbows close to  your body

Do not flare your elbows out to the side whilst you are holding the steering wheel.

This can cause your shoulders to slouch.

Instead – aim to keep your elbows close to the sides of your body.

58. Take breaks on long car trips

It is difficult (… or border line impossible) to sit with good posture in a car seat.

If you are driving for long periods at a time, consider taking frequent stops to rest your muscles.

59. Tuck your butt right into the corner of the seat

Slide that bottom of yours all the way back into your car seat.

This will help place your pelvis in the correct position.

60. Do the yawn stretch

After you get out of the car, get in the habit of doing the “yawn stretch”.

It will stretch out all those muscles that tend to get tight when you drive for a long period of time.

61. Recline your chair

If you are flying overseas and do not have the luxury of travelling first class, make sure that you recline your chair as far as it will go.

Those airplane seats are far too small, uncomfortable and often cause bad sitting postures.

G) Watching television

62. Learn to squat

Not only is this a great exercise for legs, it encourages you to use your postural muscles too.

The deep squat position is also my preferred position to watch television.

63. Avoid the soft couch

I have yet to sit on a couch that encourages good posture…

And I don’t think I ever will.

If you are watching TV on the couch, I would recommend lying down on it instead.

64. Stretch whilst watching television

If you can stretch and watch TV at the same time, why not do it?

2 birds with 1 stone!

65. Go for a walk every advertisement

There are plenty of advertisements when watching your favorite television shows.

… this means there should be plenty of opportunities for you to get up and move your body.

66. Limit your time watching the TV

Do you really need to spend all that time in front of your television?

Get out of the house! Move around. Go for a walk or something.

H) When you have to look down a lot

67. Bring book to eye height

When reading, instead of looking down at the page, consider bringing your book to eye level.

68. Bring smart phone to eye height

As above.

69. Minimize tablet use

Don’t slouch over that tablet. I know you do it!

70. Look with your eyes

If you don’t want to bring the book/phone to your eye level, consider glancing down with your eyes whilst keeping the head in a neutral position.

71. Alternate between looking down and eyes glancing down

If in doubt, you can always alternate between the head looking down and eyes glancing down position.

72. Eating

Bring your food up to your mouth.

… And not your mouth to your food.

This might take a bit of practice.

If possible – you could even hold your plate/bowl up towards your mouth.

73.Drinking

When you drink, maintain the upright posture.

Don’t jut out your chin.

74. Break up house chores

Instead of powering through your house hold chores like mopping, doing the dishes, cleaning etc (which all require you to look down), try breaking them into parts so that you are not in the same position for too long.

I) Devices

75. Postural taping

Applying posture tape to your back will help encourage maintaining the correct posture.

76. Get a Posture app

There are quite a few smart phone apps that can help with your posture!

It usually involves clipping a small device onto your shirt which then vibrates every time you start to slouch into bad posture.

77. Use postural braces

I would not recommend solely relying on postural braces as they tend to make your postural muscles weak and lazy.

However… if you feel that you need a bit more assistance with your posture, I would advise you to use them in CONJUNCTION with corrective postural exercises.

78. Posture shirts

These posture shirts are specifically designed to help you keep an upright posture.

As mentioned above, they work best when used in conjunction with corrective postural exercises.

J) Fashion

79. Adequate bra support

If you have a large bust size, it is likely that it will pull your posture forward and cause you to slouch.

Make sure that you have a sufficient amount of support in this department.

Since I have no experience with bra fitting, I will leave you to figure that one out yourself.

80. Do NOT wear high heels

I’m pretty sure whoever coined the quote “beauty is pain” must have had bad posture.

Wearing high heels alters the whole mechanics of your standing posture.

Try to stick to flat shoes with no elevated heel.

(… So, my wife just read this point and told me to say that it is okay to wear heels ONCE IN AWHILE. Just don’t wear them every day!)

81. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move effortlessly and naturally.

K) Lifestyle

82. Set yourself reminders

Place bright post-its (with different postural exercises written on them) on the walls around your house.

Every time you see the post-it, let it serve as a reminder to do some exercises throughout the day.

83. Sort out any gut issues

What do you do when you have a stomach ache?

You probably assume the fetal position.

Any pain/discomfort in the abdominal region will cause the body to hunch over to reduce the pain… at the expense of your posture.

84. Get an eye examination

If you are squinting all the time to see what is front of you, it’s likely that you are poking your head forward to see better.

Consider visiting your optometrist to get your eyes checked.

85. Fix injuries

You may have injuries that are hindering you from having good posture.

Make sure that you address any old or current problems.

86. Be confident

Generally speaking, people who tend to be more confident are more likely to have a more up right posture.

Next time you are walking, imagine you are someone with great power (a president, movie star, whoever you like!)

87. Reduce stress levels

Your postural muscles are also referred to as the stress muscles.

These muscles tend to tense up with increased levels of stress and can affect your posture.

Listening to some relaxing songs, meditate, talking to someone etc. can help reduce tension in these muscles.

88. Take deep breaths

It’s hard to take a deep breath in if you are slouching.

Try it!

Take relaxed and deep breaths regularly throughout the day.

Use those lungs of yours to open up your chest.

89. Lose some weight

Excess weight on your body will place higher demands on your muscles and joints responsible for good posture.

Consider reducing caloric intake and increasing exercise.

90. Be more active!

Bad posture comes from staying in the wrong position for too long!

Your body is designed to move.

Consider taking up swimming, going for walks and/or going to the gym.

91. Start swimming

More specifically, start doing the back stroke.

This is the best swimming exercise for your posture.

92. Take up yoga

This type of exercise is specifically designed to help promote good posture.

It consists of core exercise, stretches and whole lot of other great exercises that are especially beneficial for postural alignment.

93. Take up pilates

As above.

94. Go for a massage

What better way to get rid of your tight muscles than getting a nice massage.

Make it a habit to see a massage therapist on a regular basis.

95. See a physiotherapist/chiropiractor regularly

These health professionals are specifically trained to optimize your body (including your posture).

Go get assessed!

l) The ‘DO NOT’ list

96. DO NOT sleep on your stomach

Not only will this jam up your neck joints, it will also cause you to have a sway back posture. (… and you wouldn’t want to have that!)

97. DO NOT carry your bag on one shoulder

Do you carry a laptop bag, purse or back pack over one shoulder?

Uneven loads on your posture will eventually lead to an asymmetrical posture like Scoliosis.

98. DO NOT cross your legs whilst sitting

Keep your feet flat on the ground.

The aim is to keep the body as symmetrical as possible.

99. DO NOT over train the chest muscles

This one is probably for the gym junkies.

Don’t be like those guys I see who only train the muscles that they can see in the mirror.

When tight, the chest muscles will pull the shoulders forwards.

100. DO NOT be a mobile phone zombie

It is becoming the norm to see people hunched over their smart phones.

I see it whilst people walking, crossing the road, on the train etc.

Look around people!

You are missing out on what’s happening around you!

101. DO NOT finish reading this post without taking at least 5 steps to improve your posture

If you have read this far, you now know at least 100 ways to improve your posture.

However – reading alone is not going to fix your posture…

Taking consistent action will!

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