Does your back hurt all the time, and now it is not just your mom who points out your hunched back and slouching? You’ve noticed it in those sneaky, candid pictures as well and now you want to work on it. Well, deciding to do something about it is a step in the right direction. And yoga for posture is the solution to your problem.
The most common reason for poor posture is spending long hours on your computer, reclining, and sitting without proper back support, or not focusing much on your posture. Not only does a poor posture harm your metabolism, but it also causes a myriad of mental and physical health problems. Sitting in poor postures for a prolonged period of time can eventually change the vertebrae alignment, leading to serious pains.
The Benefits Of Yoga For Posture
Yoga will not only help you turn this around but will also help your self-esteem as you stand taller, thinner, more confident, and ready to take on the world. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, doing yoga poses directed specifically to posture improvement consistently is bound to improve your posture and any pain.
Apart from yoga, mindfulness of your posture is also important. There is no point in doing yoga if you only practice its principles during your yoga class. For lifelong results, you need to add this to your lifestyle. You can start by ensuring you do not slouch down once you sit in your car after your yoga class.
Why Yoga For Posture Is Important
Yoga for posture improves your flexibility and mindfulness. From stress in your joints or muscles to the stress you suffer mentally, yoga will help reduce it. It will improve your core strength, and if your spine has gone out of alignment, it will help that too. Along with your back and overall posture, it will also assist you in shoulder and neck relief.
It is also good for your heart as yoga is known to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow, essential for people with a natural tendency for high blood pressure, heart disease or people who have had a stroke. People with a stronger back and a good posture feel healthier, happier, and more confident. They have higher energy levels and are less prone to depression and anxiety.
If your hunched posture gets prolonged, also called hyperkyphosis or a dowager’s hump, you are more prone to fractures, and as you grow older as you tend to lose balance. Hunched posture leads to breathing issues and shortness of breath too – making it uncomfortable to even perform everyday tasks. So, it is imperative to tackle these problems and start yoga!
5 Top Yoga Poses For Posture
Yoga has many types and methods to do it. It can get daunting to figure out where to start from. You can go to a yoga instructor and join regular classes, or you can simply practice it at home. As long as you are regular with your yoga sessions and poses, you’re good to go.
Find below the yoga poses ideal for posture.
Cat Cow Stretch
This pose is perfect for discovering the natural curve of your spine and putting your back in a reset mode. You should feel movements ripple from your spine up to your spine with your head being the first part you move.
To perform this:
Plank Pose
The plank pose is a fantastic way to build core strength and reveal your weak areas. Even though it is not a heart opener, it is essential for building good posture. This pose will keep you standing tall.
To perform this:
Bow Pose
A classic and intense heart opener, the bow pose feels incredible for your back and chest, stretching them out. It would be best if you ensured that your body is properly warmed up for this pose though.
To perform this:
Cobra Pose
The cobra pose will stretch your back, improving your posture eventually with consistent practice. Particularly, it strengthens the arms while opening the upper back and shoulders.
To perform this:
Warrior Pose
As the name suggests, this pose makes you stand tall and fierce like a warrior. It opens the hips and strengthens your legs, promoting spinal alignment.
To perform this:
By incorporating these yoga poses into your daily routine, you can improve your posture and relieve yourself from any pains you might be feeling due to poor posture. These will help you stand tall and feel more confident, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier life.
