The 6 exercises Kayla Itsines recommends for better posture
If you work a desk job, you may panic when you see headlines calling sitting "the new smoking." However, you don't have to give your two weeks in the name of your well-being. Research suggests that the comparison is exaggerated and that exercise throughout the day can help combat the negative health effects of prolonged sitting. (Related: Exclusive HIIT Workout from Celebrity Trainer Kayla Itsines) So, no, sitting doesn't mean putting your body through the equivalent of a cigarette habit. However, constantly slouching at your desk can definitely affect your posture and eventually cause back pain (not to mention...

The 6 exercises Kayla Itsines recommends for better posture
If you work a desk job, you may panic when you see headlines calling sitting "the new smoking." However, you don't have to give your two weeks in the name of your well-being. Research suggests that the comparison is exaggerated and that exercise throughout the day can help combat the negative health effects of prolonged sitting. (Related: Exclusive HIIT Workout from Celebrity Trainer Kayla Itsines)
So, no, sitting doesn't mean putting your body through the equivalent of a cigarette habit. However, constantly slouching at your desk can definitely affect your posture and eventually cause back pain (not to mention poor breathing capacity and blood circulation). One more reason to take time during the week to exercise for better posture. (Related: Does Sitting Too Long Actually Deflate Your Butt?)
Need guidance on where to start? Kayla Itsines just shared a posture workout on Instagram. (And no, it's not about walking around with a book on your head.)
"If you're someone who sits at a desk all day, is rebuilding your strength after pregnancy, or is just starting out, posture exercises (like these) are a great way to relieve tension, build strength in your back and shoulders, and improve your overall posture," she wrote in her caption.
The routine is a series of six moves that take about 10 minutes to complete, so it won't take up a large portion of your day. All you need is a foam roller (here's how to use one if you're new to foam rolling) and a resistance band (Itsines doesn't specify which type, but this resistance band guide can help you narrow down your options).
Here is a breakdown of the exercises Itsines includes:
- Schaumstoffrolle für den oberen Rücken: Foam Rolling fühlt sich nicht nur super befriedigend an; Es kann die Wirbelsäule und andere Gelenke dekomprimieren und Ihre Körperhaltung verbessern.
- Erweiterung des Widerstandsbandes: Diese Bewegung greift laut Itsines’ Beitrag die Brustmuskeln an. Ihre Brustmuskeln spielen eine wichtige Rolle in Ihrer Körperhaltung und unterstützen das Schulterblatt (Schulterblatt) und das Schultergelenk.
- Schulterrotation mit Widerstandsband: Schulterrotationen öffnen Ihre Schultern und Brust, was helfen kann, die Auswirkungen des Zusammensackens auszugleichen.
- Gesichtszug mit Widerstandsband: Face Pulls bauen Kraft im oberen Rücken auf, was hilft, Ihre Schulterblätter an der richtigen Stelle zu halten (denken Sie: hinten und unten). Es ist auch ein wichtiger Teil des Aufbaus einer starken hinteren Kette (auch bekannt als Rückseite Ihres Körpers), die Ihre Haltung als Ganzes verbessern wird.
- Widerstandsband Außenrotation: Diese Bewegung aktiviert die Muskeln in Ihrer Rotatorenmanschette, was laut dem Health and Fitness Journal des American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) dazu beiträgt, eine gute Oberkörperhaltung und eine optimale Position der Schulterblätter aufrechtzuerhalten.
- Widerstandsband gebogenes Rudern: Vorgebeugtes Rudern hilft, das Kraftgleichgewicht zwischen Vorder- und Hinterkörper aufrechtzuerhalten. Zusätzlich zur Stärkung des Rückens und des Bizeps hilft vorgebeugtes Rudern dabei, gebeugte Schultern nach hinten zu ziehen und die Körperhaltung mit der Zeit zu verbessern.
Whether you're sitting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or just want to stand a little straighter, Itsines' routine is an easy way to promote better posture.