Do you get lower back pain? Around 80% of people do, particularly those who work in an office and sit at a computer all day. Many people slouch without even realising it – we've all stretched in our chair and only then realised you have to straighten up to be upright! Slouching is very unflattering and having a straight posture can make you look pounds lighter! Follow these 10 tips to improve your posture: 1. If you sit at a desk a lot, remind yourself to straighten up regularly and stretch by taking your hands behind your head and looking up towards the ceiling. Put a post it note on your monitor to remind you! 2. Adjust your computer so that your screen is at eye line height. Mine is raised up by a pile of books – it’s not high tech but it works! 3. Place a rolled up towel or jumper behind your lower back if your chair is uncomfortable. 4. Change the shoulder you carry your bag on from time to time 5. Stop smoking! Smoking weakens the bones and spine 6. If you stand a lot as part of your day, make sure you shift your weight from side to side rather than holding your weight on one side. 7. Pay attention to how you hold your phone or tablet – do you look down and round your shoulders and spine? Do you crick your neck to hold your phone to your ear? 8. We all know that we should lift heavy object by bending the knees, but how often do you do it?! Try to bend the knees and flex from the hip. 9. Do some back strengthening exercises every day; open the chest, roll the shoulders, curl the spine and bend from side to side. Ask me to show you some exercises if you’re not sure what to do. It only takes 2 or 3 minutes every day to build up new habits and break old ones. 10. Keep your back active by taking up Pilates, yoga, swimming or even walking every day. If you want to learn more about strengthening your back, why not join one of myPilates classes