Look younger with better posture

What do these fantastic ladies - actresses Felicity Kendal, (left) Joanna Lumley and Cherie Lunghi (right) have in common?

Excellent posture.

I think all three ladies have either danced or practiced Pilates most of their lives, and it shows.

If we aren't careful, as we get older poor posture means our heads start projecting forwards. This becomes more advanced until we look like tortoises. Now it's happening at a younger age, thanks to "text neck" and computers. You often see a lump of flesh on the back of the necks of young people whose posture is bad. This is the start of the cycle of problems. Older people with osteoporosis may have a "dowager's hump" but this is a different issue and won't be corrected with the exercises below.

Being overweight, foot problems, genetics and low self esteem are other causes of poor posture.

But fortunately we can nip problems in the bud if we take preventative steps.

How do I know if my posture is bad?

According to the Ultimate Guide to Good Posture, the way to find out is to stand with the back of your head against a wall and place heels 5 centimetres (two inches) from the wall. Your buttocks and shoulder blades should touch the wall. There should be less than 5 cms (two inches)between your neck or small of the back and the wall. A larger gap indicates bad posture and a curving spine.

This graphic shows the difference between good and bad posture.

What are the effects of bad posture?

Posture is an important part of preventing problems ranging from back pain to fatigue. When the back is straight, the spine is supported and stabilized, but as you slouch or practice other methods of poor posture, your spine no longer has the support it needs to stay balanced, leading to many health problems. These include sore muscles, curvature of the spine and nerve constriction. 

For every inch the head moves forward in posture, its weight on your neck and upper back muscles increases by 10 pounds! 

Exercises to improve your posture

Whenever you remember, lift up your shoulders, towards your ears. Pull them back, then lower. This helps stop rounding the shoulders. At least, it makes me more aware of the difference.  Chiropractors also tell you to visualize a string from the top of your head, pulling it upwards and lifting your hips. Try this if you like to visualize.

Exercises to strengthen your core and buttock muscles, and back extensions, will help correct a slouching posture. In the gym, bridges, back extensions and planks will help. 

What else can I try?

Pilates and yoga are always a good idea for long-term flexibility. Other suggestions:

• Don't cradle your phone under your neck
• Make sure you're sitting properly and make sure your chair and screen are adjusted in the right position

Avoid turning into this!

I hope the tips will help: I am definitely putting them into practice. After all, who wants to look like a tortoise?

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