Weekend Challenge: Posture Enhancer - Save Our Bones

For many Savers, preventing or reversing kyphosis (Dowager’s Hump) is a significant concern. So today I share with you the Posture Enhancer, an exercise that can both prevent and correct this unsightly, uncomfortable condition that’s often associated with osteoporosis.

With a very simple set of movements, the Posture Enhancer targets the precise area to straighten your upper back and neck. It also strengthens your arms, which can be a great help if you need to catch yourself in the event of fall.

Why: Good posture and healthy bones go hand in hand. Healthy bones are strong so the spine remains in good alignment; and good posture helps align and strengthen your bones. The Posture Enhancer taps into this relationship, promoting bone strength and spinal alignment.

Today’s lifestyle involves a lot of bending forward – desk work, tapping on cell phones, looking at the screens on our electronic devices, etc. All of these activities require a forward head posture. This sets the stage for kyphosis, but the Posture Enhancer counteracts this by using gravity and specific movements to straighten your upper back and neck.

By working the muscles of the upper back and shoulders, the Posture Enhancer strengthens your vertebrae via the action of gravity and muscles on the bones. And because you perform the Posture Enhancer while lying on your back, your spine stays in a straight position throughout the exercise.

This weekend’s exercise also expands your chest by gently pushing your shoulders back, promoting deep breathing and reversing the “hump” that occurs from rounding your shoulders forward.

So let’s get to it!

How: You’ll need an exercise mat or a carpeted area. You’ll also need a chair, bench, box, or something similar – just so long as it’s about 18 inches high and sturdy.

  1. Place your lower legs on the chair (or whatever you’re using).
  2. Lie on your back on the exercise mat, keeping your legs at a 90-degree angle.
  3. Place your arms on the floor at a 45-degree angle, palms up. Relax for a few minutes, so your spine and your hips get aligned.
  4. Raise your arms above your chest and interlace your fingers.
  5. Bring your arms back over your head, ideally touching the floor above your head (if you can’t, just go as far back as you can).
  6. Bring your arms back up above your chest.
  7. Repeat 30 times or as many times as you comfortably can.
  8. Return to the starting position (arms at a 45-degree angle) for a few minutes after the exercise. This relaxes your muscles and lets the vertebrae “settle” into place.

Tips:

  • Keep your arms as straight as you can throughout the exercise.
  • Do not arch your lower back.
  • Keep your fingers interlaced throughout the exercise.
  • Remember to breathe in and out with your diaphragm.

It’s really amazing how simple exercises like this one are so effective because they incorporate movements we don’t normally make in our daily lives.

Yet such moves are essential for overcoming the postural damage our modern lifestyles inflict on our spines every day.

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Have a great weekend!

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Mickie Claxton

    please make it easier to print the exercises. After reading your info, I only need copies of the exercises (which I like a lot) and not the other adds, etc. I like to share with people (friends) who could benefit from the exercises and they don’t need the rest. Help to save some more trees, please.

  2. beatrice nordberg

    I have tried a million times to order the Posture Program, but I am unable to do it over your webside, is there a telephone number I can call to order it, this is very frustratiing

  3. Bernie Brose

    Vivian, I am 65 yrs old. Should I do a bone density test? And, how about bioidentical HRT? It does not cause cancer, right?

  4. JOAN FITZPATRICK

    Many months ago – possible one year, I bought the excercise video, but have never used it. Would it be possible to send me the website? I really need to start excercising now.. VIP

    Thank you
    I asked before but never got a response.

    • Customer Support

      Hi Joan,

      We’ll contact you to help you with everything you need to get started 🙂

  5. Bev

    Do you inhale when bringing the arms up and exhale when lowering or the other way around?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Bev, it’s best to inhale as you bring your arms up, as you wrote.

  6. Tanialee

    Hi Viviene,
    My orthopedic surgeon does not allow me to elevate my hips at that angle ever (I am not allowed to bend entirely at the waist even, I am allowed to prop my legs up on a wedgie. Would I still be able to get the benefits by using the wedgie? I have stenosis in four separate places in my spine and I am tired of BACK PAIN!

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Yes, of course! The legs are raised to support the lower back, in fact 🙂

  7. Naomi

    ARE CHIA SEEDS AND FLAX SEED MEAL A GOOD PH FOOD?
    THANKS TO ANYONE WITH WHO COULD HELP.

  8. Bill

    Very good. These conditions are difficult, since working against a spinal curve directly (trying to ‘straighten it) just stimulates bone growth on the outer side of the ‘hinge’, just making the condition worse.
    So, one must work indirectly, and use natural balance. Neck problems need work on aligning the pelvis! That’s something we see here. Gently rebalance the lower spine, the beneficial effect spreads upwards.

    Another tip: when appropriate, wear a hat with a low brim – it will remind you to keep your head relaxed & balanced, without craning forwards. (-;}

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Love the hat idea, Bill!

  9. Judy

    Instructions mention not arching the low back but that is happening in the photo. Make sure to stabilize with your abs to keep the ribs down. Lying over a small plastic “packing pillow” under our thoracic spine (that you get when you order something in the mail) or a Gertie ball (kid’s ball partially blown up) is also a good way to gently open up the spine.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Good suggestions, Judy. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Penn

    Thanks Vivienne, these exercises are so simple and yet so helfpful and doable. I’m using my exercise ball [fitball] for this exercise. I have a double scoliosis and bone spurs on my spine so anything I can do to help maintain mobility is essential.
    Again, Thanks. Penn,

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      You’re very welcome, Penn!

  11. Donna Berg

    I appreciate all your good information. Also the fact that the exercises are doable.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Yes, exercises do not have to be complicated or difficult to be effective, Donna! 🙂

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