Watch Your Posture

Does Mom’s advice to stand up straight really do any good? Don’t take her word for it. Here’s the evidence to back it up.

Show Some Backbone

Trying to get ahead? Sit up straight and visualize your success. A study at Ohio State University showed good posture can boost self-confidence and reinforce positive thinking. It also makes others think more highly of you.

All-Day Abs Work

Don’t let your abs off so easily. Chronic slouching permanently slackens stomach muscles — and burns fewer calories. When you stand up straight, you activate your core muscles. This builds stronger abs and burns more fuel all day long.

Look 5 Pounds Thinner

Give yourself a sleeker silhouette by standing up straight. Slouching pushes out the stomach, and makes us look like we’re carrying a potbelly, even if we don’t have one.

Pain in the Neck & Beyond

Poor posture puts stress on the spine and joints, all the way from your neck to your feet. It can lead to lower back pain, shoulder and neck strain, tension headaches, pinched nerves, arthritis, reduced flexibility and poor balance.

Slacker's Guide to Good Posture

Stand up straight in three easy steps.

	Stand with head, shoulder blades and buttocks against a wall.
	Pull shoulders back and down; let your arms hang naturally. The position should be relaxed not stiff.
	Place hand behind your lower back, with palm against the wall. There should be just enough room for your hand to fit. Too much space? Pull your pelvis in and tighten your abs. Too little? Push your pelvis out so your back slightly arches.
And to Test Your Stance... Stand sideways and have a partner hold a weighted six-foot string above your ear (a pair of scissors tied to twine will work). The middle of your ear, shoulder and hip should all align with the back of your knee and ankle, says Esther Gokhale, author of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. Want to make more positive health changes? See Change 1 Thing.   —Posture Graphics by Chelsea Larsson