Posture Break – Time to Stretch

Steven Weiniger

When people spend most of their lives sitting, over time their physical bent over posture starts to feel normal. Better posture means better alignment, with head, torso and pelvis stacked in a line over your feet. 

Floor Posture Test

Lie flat on a carpeted floor and then notice:

• With your head touching the floor, do you need a pillow to get your head level?  If so, your head is probably jutting forward when you’re standing or sitting. This is also known as forward head posture (FHP).

Posture Stretch to Lengthen to Stand Taller

Being aware is the first step to fighting back and improving your posture.

• Lie flat on the floor.
• Put a book under your head to make it level, so it is aligned with your torso. Open the book and turn pages so it’s only as thick as necessary to level your head, without any strain.
• Now gently press your head into the book and take 5 slow, deep breaths.
• If you feel any strain, roll up a small towel and place under your neck for support.

Especially if your head is in a forward head posture, muscles and ligaments have likely shortened over time. 

Next time you take a Posture Break to lengthen, turn a page or two to make the book support a bit thinner.  See how close you can get to aligning your head, torso and pelvis for a stronger posture.

Article from Posture Month