What’s the Posture Problem?
Do you ever have a hard time coming up with the right word for your Google search? Apparently I’m not dealing with a curved spine. It’s more of a neck curving too far. C’mon, google. Help me, help you, help me. What am I looking for? Aha! Hunched shoulders, a forward curve in my upper back. I google hunched shoulders and there it is. Blinking on my screen: Correct Mom Posture. One of the many hardships we mamas put on our bodies. Maybe you don’t like the way it looks, or maybe you’re starting to feel back pain. Either way, we have hope! Here’s how to correct mom posture.
Causes of Rounded Shoulders
According to www.medicalnewstoday.com rounded shoulders has the following causes:
Using a smart phone or tablet — well who doesn’t? Check.
Using a computer or laptop — checkity check check.
Sitting for long periods of time — like when you’re using a smartphone or laptop, perhaps?
Driving a vehicle– to work, to soccer, to school, to music, back to work, to home. Like that.
Bending over repeatedly– picking up toys for approximately the 45698258 time in one day.
Carrying heavy objects all day — example. Screaming, kicking toddler. Check check check.
Methods to Correct Mom Posture
Since rounded mom posture is a symptom of bending your shoulders forward, it makes sense that the remedy is stretching in the opposite direction. Also, strengthening the upper back. I’ve read all the “make time for exercise” and “set an appointment with yourself and keep it” which all makes sense on paper. The reality of it is that I feel too busy! I don’t have time. I can’t dooooo it. Wah. So I contacted my beautiful friend, Justine Lemos and asked for advice to correct mom posture. Justine owns and operates her own yoga studio, so of course I absolutely love following her momprenuer life. You can catch her on her facebook page.
She says that a great shoulder opener is downward dog at the wall. It’s easy, and even I can do it. While I’m watching netflix. And sneaking a piece of my kid’s candy. No? Just me? Standing facing the wall put your palms flat against the wall and bend your body forward into an L shape with the feet under the hips. Are you doing it? Do it! It feels so great on the shoulders and neck.
Fish Pose is a super chest opener and great for spinal flexibility, according to Justine. This one is a little more difficult for me: lying on your back place your hands under your hips, palms down. Lift your upper body, and lie back down with the TOP of your head resting lightly on the floor. Most of the weight of your upper body should be resting on your elbows.
I’m going to work on fish pose, but until I master it…and mark my words, I will! I’m going also use a rolled up towel along my spine and kinda hang over it.
Simple dumbbell rows with strengthen the upper back, helping bring back balance, too.
Who’s with me? I’m stretching for the next 30 days to see if there is an improvement. Before and after shots in November! Stay tuned…
Do you have any posture tips? Contact Me
Wanna follow my progress? Come and like my facebook page.
