Whether you realize it now or not, putting in the effort to improve your posture has huge payoffs! Not only does improving your posture benefit your spine health, but you can even burn up to 350 calories per day by maintaining good posture.

Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team further explains below, so keep reading!

What Does Good Posture Look Like?

Good posture is also known as a neutral spine. When you have good posture, the muscles surrounding the spine are balanced and supporting the body equally. Good posture isn’t natural for many of us, though, and needs to be practiced!

So, when you’re sitting, your feet should rest flat on the floor with even weight on both hips. Your back should be mostly straight (you’ll have natural curves in your lumbar, thoracic and cervical areas). Your shoulders should be back but relaxed, and your ears should line up over your collarbones. When standing, your legs should have a slight knee bend so you’re not hyperextending or locking your knee joints.

Benefits of Good Posture

• Reduced low back pain
• Fewer headaches
• Increased energy levels
• Less tension in your shoulders and neck
• Increased lung capacity

How Can I Improve My Posture?

Like we said earlier, good posture certainly isn’t natural for many, so practice makes perfect!

We’ve listed some doable tips to improve your posture below.

Ways to Improve Posture

• Check in often with your body. Post a note on your computer screen to remind you to get yourself in proper alignment.
• Set reminders on your calendar to check in with yourself several times throughout the day.
• When sitting, utilize a lumbar roll or rolled towel to support your natural lumbar curve. That way, you’ll have support for a straighter posture, allowing it to be more sustainable.
• Find a more supportive chair if you sit all day for work.

There are all kinds of benefits to maintaining proper posture! If you have any other questions or general medical concerns, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team today.