In today’s day and age, many people frequently sit at a desk for long periods. In addition, sitting posture tends to vary, often resulting in a slumped or flexed posture. Plus, there’s the dreaded “cell phone posture,” which involves a flexed posture whether you’re sitting or standing.
When sitting for long periods, your back muscles keep your body in alignment. Eventually, these muscles fatigue, causing your body to slump and your head to shift forward in response. Also, your trunk will flex and your pelvis will roll back.
In fact, prolonged static postures like sitting at a computer or watching TV for a long time can affect your muscle strength and length.
The muscles in the back of your neck and trunk lengthen and weaken, while the muscles in the front of your neck, chest, shoulders, and abdomen stiffen and shorten. The result is a snowball effect, which perpetuates this posture even when you’re not sitting.
The good news? Performing intentional exercises that strengthen your posture muscles can help combat this pattern.
Wall angels are an excellent choice. In just this one exercise, you’ll both strengthen your back muscles and lengthen the muscles in the front of your neck, shoulders, and core.
