How to Improve Your Posture

Increase your confidence and gain inches by standing straighter.

Step 1: Look in mirror Look in your mirror and assess your posture. Hold your head up and your shoulders straight.
TIP: Your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles should make a straight line.
Step 2: Train core muscles Train and strengthen the core muscles that support your back, stomach, and middle by doing crunches, yoga, or pilates.
Step 3: Adjust chair Adjust your work chair or purchase an ergonomically correct one. Your work station should be at elbow height. Tilt the computer monitor upward to eliminate neck strain.
TIP: Sit with your hips as far back in your chair as possible and keep your knees at hip level or lower.
Step 4: Set rearview mirror Set your car’s rearview mirror to a position that forces you to sit up. Each time you look at the mirror, you’ll be reminded to sit straighter.
Step 5: Avoid stomach sleeping Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which strains the back and neck muscles. Sleep on your back with one pillow.
FACT: In 2003, a Brazilian fitness instructor broke his own record of consecutive sit-ups when he did 133,986 in 30 hours.