Helpful Posture Tips

What does good posture look like?

Standing

Standing incorrectly can place unwanted stress on your muscles and joints.  Keep these cues in mind when you’re standing in line, at work, or watching a game.

• Stand with feet hip width apart
• Soft bend in the knees
• Engage your core (Tuck your hips and butt.  Low back should not be arched.)
• Squeeze your shoulder blades together & keep your chest open
• Pull your chin back and keep it parallel to the ground

Sitting

Many people sit at a desk or in a car for hours at a time.  Follow these guidelines to avoid pain and prevent injury from prolonged sitting.

• Feet flat on the floor
• Knees at a 90 degree angle
• Sit your buttocks at the back of the seat.  Maintain a small space between the back of your knees and the seat of the chair.
• Squeeze shoulder blades together & keep your chest open
• Pull your chin back and keep it parallel to the ground
• Make sure arm rests are not too high or too low.

Don’t sit for a full 8 hours!  Get up, move around, and do light stretches to reduce stress through the spine.

Tags: Physical Therapy, Posture