We can all remember interfering aunts telling us to stand up straight and stop slouching, but walking tall is good for the soul too, says professional chiropractor Ian Orr

Here are his five top tips for a better posture.

  1. Understand that a better posture makes you look more attractive, sexy, confident and self-assured.

  2. Creating and maintaining a better posture requires mental and physical work.

  3. A better posture will help prevent many tension headaches, joint sprains and nagging muscle fatigue.

  4. The three basic key points:

    • Sit and stand tall as if someone was pulling you vertically up by the hair.
    • Gently pull in the tummy muscles
    • Let your shoulder-blades soften down and back

  5. Everyone, men and women alike, has a ‘core’ set of pelvic floor muscles that need exercising daily, they can be done whilst standing on the tube, sitting at your desk or lying in bed. Strengthening these core muscles is the key to creating a better posture. Aim to squeeze all three of the following muscles together at 50 per cent of your maximum ability 10 times a day. Hold for one second, ten times and then for ten seconds once:

    • Pull your tummy button in.
    • Squeeze your bladder as if you were holding back an urgent wee.
    • Squeeze the muscles in your bottom that prevent you from breaking wind!!

Ian Orr MSc (Chiro), BSc (Hons) works at Battersea and Wandsworth Chiropractors. Call 020 7228 7822 for more details.