Start correcting those bad postures today

Bad habits takes time to break and bad postures is one of those things that all parents should be strict on correcting from a young age. If you don’t want your kids to grow up into someone with bad postures, start practising the following today.

1. Start with the little things
   When you see your kids slouching their backs or positioning their necks in an uncomfortable position, correct them straight away and explain to them the harm they’re doing to their bodies. Have your child position themselves against the back of the couch or the wall when watching TV or playing games on the floor. Instruct your child to rest his entire back and head against the couch or wall as he keeps his neck straight.

2. Get down on the dance floor
   Ever noticed how ballet dancers have excellent postures at all time? You definitely won’t be finding any of them slouching or curving their bodies in unnatural ways. Physical therapists suggests that any dance and movement classes would help children greatly in correcting bad postures. Under the instructions of well trained dance instructors, you child’s body will become more agile and flexible over time, which makes it easier to break bad habits more naturally.

3. Have regular stretch breaks
   As adults, we are always reminded to take regular stretch breaks throughout the day to give our body the break that it needs from too much sitting or standing. Imagine what that can do to the poor little bodies of our children? Remind your kids to take regular stretch breaks during the day, away from TV, computer and video games. Lead by examples - do head, arm and leg stretching exercises together with your kids to get them into the habit on their own.

4. Go for a bike ride
   In addition to being fun and the many physical benefits bike riding provides, it is also great for building core strength and endurance. Even a half hour bike ride every week will do the trick! If you really want to get your kid’s core working, take them on a bike trails on a hill or a path with slight inclines, where they’ll have to use their arms and abs to generate power from their legs.

5. Swinging like little monkeys
   Just when you thought you don’t need anymore reasons to take your kids to your local playgrounds, here’s another to add to the list! Playgrounds have many fun kids activities that have been built with strengthening kids’ core strength in mind - such as climbing nets, climbing domes, swing sets and ladders. The more unstable the climbing surface, the more kids will have to work their stabilisers and abdominals so get them climbing!

Also take the time to browse through our ActiveActivities directory for a comprehensive listing of dance classes, sports and outdoor activities your kids can get into to start improving their postures today.