Sit up straight, your body will thank you - KMSP-TV

"Sit up straight" is more than a command, doing so could improve your overall health. Fox 9 Fitness Expert Ali Holman from CoreCamper.com stopped by to tell us why good posture is so important to your health, and how to test if your posture is really proper when standing, sitting, sleeping and more.

To find out more about Ali's Online Workout plan, visit www.CoreCamper.com.

Posture is more than having a straight back. Good posture is important to overall body function.

So, what is so bad about poor posture? Poor circulation, causing vertabrae to deteriorate one at a time, chronic back/neck/shoulder pain, headaches, herniated disks, misalignment and limit of range of motion.

Causes of bad posture:

* Unsupportive shoes

* Genetics

* Stress

* Carrying excess weight

* Unsupportive mattress

* Hunching to get closer to a screen

* Incorrect office chair height

How to check your posture:

Stand with your head against a wall with feet 6" from the wall

Should be less than 2" between your nect or small of your back from the wall

When you sit:

Keep your head straight and not tilted down

Sit with knees slightly lower than your hips

Shoulders back and relaxed

Feet flat

DO NOT:

Keep your back ramrod straight

Tuck your feet under your chair

Work without support for your arms

Cross your legs above the knees

When standing:

Shoulders back and aligned

Use your core to keep your back straight

Stick your chest out

Wear high heels or stand for a long time, especially in the same position

Walking:

Walk Heel toe, looking forward

Running:

Arms loose and at 90 degree angle

Lean forward slightly

Don't:

Bend at waist

Hunch

Lift your knees too high

Sleeping:

Do use a firm mattress, sleep on your side & try a pillow between legs

Don't:

Sleep on stomach (Causes pressure on cervical spine)

Sleep with a tall stack of pillows , causing neck to bend unnaturally