Stretch strap Exercises to Improve Your Posture

Stretch strap Exercises to Improve Your Posture

 Slouching can cause a plethora of health problems – it plays havoc with your spine alignment and can drain your energy. Plus, you don’t look so good while doing it! Improving your posture will increase energy, prevent future spine problems, and give you a slender, more confident appearance.

And what better way to improve your posture than with some fun stretch strap exercises? These moves are simple, but powerful. Grab your stretch strap and get started!

Crisscross

Begin by wrapping your stretch strap behind you, around the base of your shoulder blades. Pull the belt to the front and place the ends of the straps over each shoulder. Pull the straps across your shoulder blades creating a crisscross on your back. Gently tug both sides of the belt down. You’ll feel your lower trapezius release and your shoulders roll back. Buckle the belt ends at your breastbone. Stay in this position for 2 seconds and repeat 10 to 20 times. Repeat daily until your muscles are retrained and your posture improves.

Shoulder Press

Start in a chair or on the floor, keeping your spine straight. Using both hands, hold a stretch strap at shoulder width. Pull in your stomach while pressing your shoulders and sitting up as straight as you can. Gently extend your shoulders so the strap is straight out in front of you at shoulder height. Holding it in both hands, lift it over your head. Keep your arms straight and lower the belt behind your head as far as possible. Bring the belt back to starting position. Repeat this press 10 to 20 times for two seconds.

Shoulder Stretch

Begin in a standing position – feet together and back straight. Place your stretch strap under the arches of both feet. Bend forward, bringing your torso toward your thighs as far as you can without discomfort. Holding your stretch strap, reach toward your feet, gently pulling the yoga strap. You’ll feel a stretch in your shoulders as well as your lower and upper back. Hold the pose for two seconds and repeat 10 to 20 times.

Forward Fold

Start on the floor in a sitting position. Extend your legs in front of you, and loop your stretch strap around your feet, holding an end in each hand. Pull your abs in toward your lower back. Elongate your spine; sit up tall. Bend forward to your thighs. Gently pull the stretch strap as far as you can, resting your head upon your knees if possible. Hold the stretch for two seconds and repeat 10 to 20 times.