Posture doesn’t quite make it into most metabolism conversations but hey, let's give it a shout-out because it's got some importance in the grand scheme of things.📣

You see, while standing tall or sitting up straight won't help you process that cookie any faster, it does play a role in your overall energy levels and how your body functions. That's because maintaining good posture can help ease muscle tension, reduce fatigue, and keep your body in a more efficient working order.

And what happens you're NOT feeling fatigued and your muscles aren't staging a rebellion!? Well, you're more likely to stay active and engage in physical activities!  So, in the most indirect way, good posture could contribute to a lifestyle that supports a healthier metabolism. 😉🤓

More Reasons Posture Matters:

• 1️⃣ It Radiates Confidence:🌟
  • As a petite individual, standing tall and proud makes a powerful statement. And for the record, it's not about appearing taller; it's about embracing your stature with confidence.
• 2️⃣ Pain Alleviation:
  • Improved posture can alleviate common aches and pains associated with poor alignment. Whether it's back pain from hunching or neck strain from staring at screens, maintaining good posture can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
• 3️⃣ Enhanced Appearance:🤩
  • Beyond the physical benefits, good posture enhances your overall appearance. I’m just saying… when you hold your head high, roll those shoulders back, and lift that chest? Boom!💥 That pesky lower belly pooch magically becomes less noticeable.

How to Improve Your Posture:

• 1️⃣ Strengthen Your Back Side:
  • Prioritize strength training exercises that target not just your back muscles, but your entire posterior chain (neck, rear delts, upper back, lower back, glutes, hamstrings, and calves). Building strength in the muscles that support your spine can significantly contribute to maintaining an upright posture.💪🏼
  • Incorporate compound exercises like rows(all variations), lat pulldowns, and deadlifts AND isolation exercises like rear delt raises and back extensions. These compound movements work multiple muscle groups, including those responsible for maintaining a strong and aligned spine.
  • Hint: I program these posterior chain exercises (and many more) into the workouts inside The Funsized Fitness App (remember, with enrollment in this course you get one month free! See the bonus section)

• 2️⃣ Stretch Your Chest Muscles:
  • Tight chest muscles can pull your shoulders forward, contributing to poor posture😞 BUT you can counteract the effects of slouching by incorporating stretches for your chest muscles. 
  • Practice chest-opening stretches like doorway stretches, Prone Scorpion, or yoga poses like cobra/upward-facing dog. These stretches help release tension in the chest and promote a more open and upright posture.
  • P.S. Strengthening your chest is also important but it’s not necessary to train chest as much as say your back or legs. That’s why you won’t find too many chest strengthening exercises throughout my Funsized Fitness App workout subscriptions. 

• 3️⃣ Don't forget your Hips:
  • Believe it or not, having good hip mobility is crucial for posture too! Stretching your hips helps ensure your pelvis is properly aligned, contributing to overall postural improvement.
  • Be sure to incorporate hip mobility exercises into your exercise routine (especially if you tend to sit often) like dynamic hip flexor stretch, pigeon pose, 90/90 stretch.

So, that's the gist of laying down the groundwork for a healthy metabolism and the end of Module 1. Now, let's shift gears and dive into the first major aspect of boosting metabolism: exercise and activity. 💪🏃‍♀️