Good posture is important in both every day living and exercise. Often overlooked but a very important part of looking good, and staying fit and healthy! (clearly).

A good posture will:

Help to keep to keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly and to full affect.

Help to decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.

Decrease the stress on ligaments on joints and on the spine.

Prevent the spine getting into fixed abnormal positions.

Prevent fatigue, as your muscles are being used more affectively, in turn using the body more efficiently.

Prevent overuse or strain problems, backache and muscular pain.

Contribute to a good appearance.

Good posture is NOT about tightening your body to sit or stand up straight. Good posture is all about getting into a position your body, muscles and ligaments are put under the least strain.

A great way to improve posture is to participate in Yoga or Pilates. These are both a great foundation for exercise and fitness.

Here are some quick and easy ways to check your posture at home, stand facing a full length mirror and check the following:

1) Your shoulders are level.

2) Your head is straight, not tilted to the side.

3) The spaces between your arms and your sides seem equal on both sides.

4) Your hips are level, not sloped to one side.

5) Your ankles are straight and not turned in or out.

You can also have someone look at you from the side and check the following:

1) Your head is stacked over your body, not jutting forward or pulled back

2) Your chin is parallel to the floor, not tilting up or down

3) Shoulders are in line with ears, not drooping forward or pulled back too far

4) Your hands are in line with hips, not forward or back

5) Your knees are straight, not bent or hyper-extended

6) Your lower back is slightly curved forward, not too flat or curved too much, (creating a swayback).

Do your best to practice these points of posture everyday, and before you know it, you will notice a difference.