Many of us find ourselves sitting for the majority of the day. And the toll that this physical position has taken on our bodies can be seen in slumped shoulders and felt in aching backs and misaligned bodies.

Try standing up and taking note of your posture using a mirror. Are your shoulders slouched? Does your head hang down? To rectify poor posture, start by raising your chin, then pull your shoulders back so that they line up with your earlobes. Gently tuck in your belly to keep it from exerting force on your spine, and straighten your knees, being careful not to lock them. There should be an imaginary straight line that connects your ears to your shoulders, all the way down to your ankles.

Mom was right when she said “Stand up straight and don’t slouch!” When practiced correctly, good posture reduces the risk of arthritis, prevents muscular pain and keeps your joints in their correct alignment, while making you look and feel more confident. And this improved positioning of your body makes movement and exercise much more effective.

So go ahead…the best way to start a great fitness journey is to simply stand. But do it in a way that will make your mama proud! Take a stand!!