The lowdown on the lumbar

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2003

GOOD POSTURE IS a good habit that, like most stuff that's good for you, takes some thought. But that doesn't mean you can't train your body to be more posturally correct. Here's one stretch you can do that will help to strengthen your lower abs and improve your sitting and standing posture. Why care? Poor posture looks bad and makes you look shorter and seem less confident. But what's more, that slouch puts stress on your vertebral discs, especially in the lumbar area. Long term, this spinal pressure will lead to pain, even injury.

* Lie faceup with your knees bent, arms at your sides (you can also have your hands behind your head).

* Tighten your abs while pressing your lower back to the floor (your hips will tilt upward).

* Hold for 10 seconds, then repeat five to 10 times.

* Keep breathing throughout the movement.

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