Within the last few years, poor posture has become an epidemic due to “text neck”. Recently the idea of complete focus on a computer or phone screen (instead of our body or muscles) has caused reduction of strength in the abdomen and rounding of the shoulders. After years of this continuous movement, eventually you will shrink! In this article PhD. Eva Norlyk Smith explains this deterioration of posture can begin at age 25. This is shocking!!!!

So what can we do? I tell all my clients to engage your core when sitting or standing or doing anything!!! If you practice keeping it engaged, you will automatically tap into muscle memory in times when you aren’t present (like when you’re on your phone) to avoid this posture problem. Second, shoulders back. Pull your shoulders down your spine and engage your shoulders together like you’re holding a pencil back there. This sets the shoulders back and keeps your spine straight. Again, practice this and it will become muscle memory. Lastly, strengthen your core. Reminder, your core also includes your low back. If these two spaces are strong, you will utilize them to sit straight thus reducing rounding your shoulders.

Give these tips a try to reduce shrinking! Your posture is important. It will appear confident and relaxed if your posture is good. Plus it is generally better for your health!