Your posture can greatly affect the way you live your life. Bad posture can lead to problems such as back pain and poor body alignment. If you're looking for ways to improve your posture, try incorporating these five poses into your workout routine!
Pigeon Pose
The pigeon pose can be a great way to improve your posture and strengthen your hips. To do it:
- Sit on the floor with one leg bent and the other straight in front of you.
- Place both hands on top of each other at the bottom of your shinbone, then slowly tilt forward until both knees touch.
- If there's any discomfort in this position, straighten out both legs instead so that they're parallel with each other.
If you want more of a challenge, raise one foot off the ground toward your head while keeping both knees bent and touching together throughout this exercise--this variation is known as the One Leg Down Pigeon Pose. You can also do it while lying flat or standing up straight!
Extended Side Angle Pose
Extended Side Angle Pose is great for lengthening the spine, stretching the hips and thighs, strengthening your core muscles, and improving balance.
Use a folded blanket or block under each hand to help support your upper body weight during this pose. If you don't have props available, try using a wall for support instead by placing one hand against it with the other on top of that hand (palms facing away from each other). Then bend your knees into half lotus position with feet stacked on each other, so they're parallel but not in contact with one another (they should be about 6 inches apart). Next, place one foot on top of its respective thigh--this should feel like an intense stretch in both legs! Finally, lift onto tiptoes while keeping both hips square towards the front-back axis; hold this final position as long as possible before switching sides.
Standing Forward Fold
This pose is a great way to stretch the hamstrings and lower back. It can be done with a chair or wall for support, but you should always work up to a full forward fold without assistance. The goal is to get your torso as closely parallel to the floor as possible while keeping your knees straight and feet flat on the ground. Hold this position for 30 seconds before releasing and repeating two or three times total.
The next step is to do the same exercise with your legs straight, but don't bend them back this time. The goal is to get your torso as closely parallel to the floor as possible while keeping your knees straight and feet flat on the ground. Hold this position for 30 seconds before releasing and repeating two or three times total.
Triangle Pose
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and lift your arms, bending at the hips and reaching for the floor.
- Lift your left leg and place the foot on the inside of your right thigh (or as far as it goes).
- Push your hips forward to feel a stretch in your groin and hamstrings, then slowly move into a deeper stretch by leaning forward over one leg until you feel comfortable (but not too much!)
Warrior II Pose
Warrior II pose is the perfect way to stretch your hamstrings, calves, and feet. It also relieves tension in the lower back while improving balance and focus. The posture can help with digestion and relieve stress by increasing blood flow.
Stand with your feet together and arms at your sides. Step your right foot back about three or four feet. Bend both knees, dropping into a lunge position. Your front knee should be bent 90 degrees, with the shin perpendicular to the floor.
These yoga poses can help you improve your posture.
- Downward Facing Dog: This pose strengthens the back, arms, and legs. The position also stretches the hamstrings and calves while relaxing the shoulders, spine, and neck.
- Cat Pose: This will help improve spine flexibility by stretching out any kinks that may be present from sitting at a desk all day long (or even just from everyday life).
- Bridge Pose: This pose is great for strengthening the lower back muscles and stretching out those tight hamstrings we discussed earlier! It makes sense why this one would be good for improving posture- it helps to strengthen all those muscles that support us when standing up straight!
Conclusion
The poses we've covered here are just a few that can help improve your posture. You can try out many more, including variations on these five poses, as well as others like Warrior II and Extended Side Angle. Remember that it's not just about doing all these poses: finding what works for you and practicing regularly!
