Has your mom or dad ever told you to sit up straight, or stand straight? Most of our parents have said that at some point, and there is actually quite a good reason for it. Posture is a word we use to describe the position of a person’s body, usually when they are standing or sitting. Our posture plays a large role in the health of our spine and muscles. For example, when you are slouched in your chair, that position puts a great deal of stress on certain points of the spine. Later on, it could cause back pain and other problems. By keeping our spines straight, with our heads and shoulders straight, we do much more than simply improving our physical health. Good posture also helps us to feel more confident and stronger. It is so simple to correct our posture; it can even improve our mood and energy levels! What are you waiting for? Let’s explore some fun resources on posture and how to improve it.
Learn all about how to maintain a good posture while sitting, standing, lying down, and especially, when lifting heavy things.
Working out and exercising helps to keep muscles fit, which in turn helps with better posture.
Typing Posture (PDF)
Check out this easy guide to remember how you should position yourself when typing and using the computer.
Dancers need to display a very proper posture in order to carry themselves well throughout all the various moves.
Follow four basic steps to make sure that your backpack isn’t too heavy and that you are wearing it the right way.
Straighten Up! (PPT)
Vibes and Viggie present some fun exercises to help kids strengthen their spines!
The Posture Quiz (PDF)
Take this quiz on good posture to see how much you remember so far.
This helpful explanation for kids demonstrates exactly why we should bother to correct our posture.
Kids’ Posture Exercises (PDF)
Print out this illustrated guide and post it up in your bedroom for an easy reference on posture exercises designed just for kids.
Look at some different, incorrect walking postures and find out how to correct them.
Good posture can improve and maintain the health of our joints, muscles, and bones.
This simple diagram reminds us to always bend our knees when lifting heavy things (including schoolbags!)
Sitting in Front of a Computer
When you work at a computer, it is important to make sure that you are sitting correctly to avoid damaging your spine, wrists, or other body parts.
Try the Prayer Stretch to loosen up your arm and back muscles after being in front of the computer or video games for a while.
Find out why people always talk about good posture and what it can actually do for you.
Join Safety Seagull to learn all about good posture when typing at a computer.
By rotating your head from side to side, you can help to stretch your neck muscles and help maintain a good posture.
See a demonstration of how to stand with the best posture. If you need to stand for a very long time, take a few breaks in between by placing your foot on a raised surface for a few minutes.
Grab a pillow to help you out with these exercises to help strengthen your neck and back muscles.
Sitting in a slouched position or even too rigidly (with an extremely straight back) can end up hurting you later. Have a look at this visual guide to see the best posture for sitting.
Did you know that simply changing your posture can help improve your mood and confidence?
Test your knowledge of good posture habits and see if you can recall all the correct answers before peeking at the solutions provided at the end of the page!
Look at the differences in postures in the children’s silhouettes and try to figure out which one best matches your own posture, before deciding if you need to correct it.
Find out the main areas that are affected by poor posture and then see how to improve your posture.
An easy way to help correct your posture is by imagining that there is a column of cogs or wheels in your back. To maintain good posture, you need to make sure that all the cogs are properly aligned.
