What exercises can help my posture?

Great posture isn't automatic. Orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright, MD, shares easy posture exercises to help you stand up -- and sit up -- straight to avoid neck and back pain.

Transcript

00:00

In a continuous motion, flex your trapezius muscles, the muscles between your neck and shoulders,

00:06

and raise your shoulders up. [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:21

Sit up straight. That's what our parents told us. But for some, good posture isn't automatic,

00:27

especially when you're sitting. Hi, I'm Dr. Wright. Here's a great exercise for a pretty posture

00:35

that you can do at your desk or in front of the TV. Try this shoulder roll any time you sense that you are sliding back into a slumped shoulder

00:44

posture. In a seated position, let your shoulders relax. Flex your chest or pectoralis muscles

00:52

by bringing your shoulders forward. In a continuous motion flex your trapezius muscles, the muscles between your neck and shoulders,

01:00

and raise your shoulders up. Finally, squeeze the muscles between your shoulder blades and bring your shoulders back down.

01:07

When doing this exercise, keep your upper back muscles contracted and your shoulders back. Your chest should be raised with your shoulders

01:14

in this position. Soon, you'll be sitting higher in your chair and you should feel great. Do this rotation four times.

01:22

And then try to maintain this upright posture throughout the day. [AUDIO LOGO]