5 Effective And Affordable Tools For Correcting Your Posture

Poor posture affects more than just your spinal function and comfort. Poor posture contributes to rounded belly, agitation, stress, anxiety and depression. It can also lead to long-term physical health issues, such as poor circulation, high blood pressure, joint dysfunction and more. For all these reasons and then some, it’s crucial that you invest in your posture sooner rather than later. Check out the top five most effective and affordable posture correcting tools on the market today.

1. Evoke Pro A300 Posture Corrector

This lightweight, breathable posture corrector is slim enough to wear under your clothing and comfortable enough to rock all day long. Designed to improve posture and provide pain relief, the Evoke Pro A300 realigns the spine and shoulders while you wear it. It boasts soft armpit pads and flexibility that lets you move freely while you’re wearing it. Priced for just under $25 on Amazon, and bosting a 3.5-star rating, this is a cheap but effective way to achieve better back support.

2. SOMAZ Adjustable Posture Corrector

The SOMAZ posture corrector fits more like a vest than anything else. Like the Evoke A300, it is lightweight and discreet enough to wear under your shirt while at work, home or out and about. Because it reaches from your clavicle down to the bottom of your spine, it offers full back support, which the designer says is more effective in achieving full posture correction. During use, the vest provides gentle back support while pulling the shoulders back, thereby providing correction for the duration of you wearing it. This design also has 3.5 stars and costs about $20 at Amazon.

3. Upright GO Posture Trainer and Corrector

Wouldn’t it be nice to constantly have someone remind you to sit up straight? Okay, probably not, but if that “someone” was a “something” — like, a tiny device attached to your back, the reminder may come off as less intrusive and more sincere. The Upright GO Posture Trainer, which now comes in a second version, is an electronic device that gives you a small little reminder to sit up straight when you slouch. Though the reminder is just a small vibration, it’s enough to train the mind and body to work together to correct your posture throughout the day. You can also track your progress through an app, which helps you gain awareness of what you’re doing wrong as well as what you need to do to correct it.

The device is slightly pricier than the first two, at $80. However, it has earned a solid four stars from its users.

4. FlexGuard Support Back Brace Posture Corrector

If you already experience back pain as a result of your poor posture, try this back support/posture corrector combination. Though it is more noticeable than the other options, it prevents slumping shoulders and curbs back pain all while training your back to sit straight. Also, because it forces you to let your spine support your body, it relieves the stress that your muscles have taken on as a result of your slumping. You can find this model for just $25 on Amazon, where it boasts four full stars from nearly 12,000 customers.

5. BetterCo BetterBack

A Shark Tank innovation, the BetterBack from BetterCo has thousands of five stars reviews from very satisfied customers. Lightweight and portable, this particular posture corrector was designed to correct poor posture that stems from the lower back. It also eases the lower back pain that occurs as a result of your slouching. Users claim that by wearing it for just 15 minutes a day goes a long way toward correcting their posture for good. You can get it at GetBetterBack.com for just $49.99, plus free shipping. If you’re not convinced after 60 days that it’s the right device for you, you can return it hassle-free.

An investment in your posture is an investment in your whole body health and future. Spend a little today for the right device and save on more costly back treatments in the years to come.

5 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Posture

Remember when your teacher constantly shouted, "no slouching" in school? At the time, you may have thought it was no big deal. After all, everyone slouches, right? So what harm can it really do?

As it turns out, bad posture doesn't only affect how you look. It can also harm the health of your back by putting strain on the muscles around your spine. That might explain why you experience those bothersome aches and pains so frequently.

The good news is that there are many effective methods for improving your posture and decreasing your back pain. Here are a few you can try immediately!

1. Wear the Right Shoes

While high heeled shoes look amazing, they're not the greatest for your body. High heels throw off your balance and make it harder to maintain good posture while standing. They also put stress on your feet, ankles, and knees, which may lead to joint dysfunction down the line.

You don't have to give up heels forever, but you should limit them to special occasions. Instead, look for comfortable, supportive shoes that also offer style and visual appeal. What a great excuse to go shoe shopping!

2. Start an Exercise Regimen

Building up your core muscles makes it easier to maintain good posture, as your spine will be supported appropriately. Exercise can also improve joint flexibility, help you maintain a healthy weight, and provide ample energy.

Core exercises include sit ups and crunches, but planks are also beneficial. You can also look into joining a yoga class at your local gym to enhance flexibility. If you currently experience joint issues, swimming offers a full body workout without inflaming your joints.

3. Sit Correctly at Your Desk

For office workers, seated posture is a major concern. Sitting for many hours a day can wreak havoc on the health of your spine, which will lead to a wide range of back problems and dysfunction.

The first step is to modify your workstation for maximum health. Your computer and keyboard should be easily accessible from your chair, so no straining is necessary. Additionally, the monitor or screen must be at eye level to keep your neck straight.

When it comes to your chair, be sure to sit up straight so your shoulders are firmly against the back. Your feet should be flat on the ground with your knees bent. Don't cross your legs, as this creates an imbalance in your body. Chairs with neck and lumbar support are also preferred.

4. Reduce Use of Mobile Devices

Have you ever heard of "text neck"? Think about how you usually look at your phone when checking out your favorite social media sites or reading the news. Chances are that your neck is probably bent over the screen as you scroll.

This posture can put a major strain on the neck and spine, especially when it's a regular habit. Accordingly, try to limit your use of a mobile device to two hours a day or less. And when looking at your smartphone, keep your head elevated and your neck straight.

5. Be Mindful of How You Sleep

Sleeping posture is another important factor to consider. The way you sleep can contribute to back pain during your waking hours. This is particularly true if you regularly sleep on your back, which can create a lot of stress on the lower spine.

Instead, try sleeping on your side. If you need a little extra support, place a pillow between your legs to keep the spine in proper alignment. And if your mattress has seen better days, consider an upgrade.

The hidden benefit of good posture is a more confident, in-command demeanor. As you build strength and adjust your habits, you'll also experience a surge of self-esteem and good feelings!