The Sunday Independent

4 tips for good posture on your next trip

CLINTON MOODLEY

FOLLOWING simple steps during your trip can help you maintain good posture, whether you are on a beach holiday or a quiet safari break.

Kara Froula, an ergonomic expert and founder of BackEmbrace, shares tips:

1 Lower back support

Most car or plane seats are curved, which can result in a hunched posture. Pack a sweatshirt or a towel that you can roll up and place on your lower back for extra lumbar support.

2 Pain therapy This is perfect for when you are relaxing in your hotel

room. “Apply a salve with essential oils that contain cooling/heating agents like wintergreen or peppermint to the area. Or you can use OTC lidocaine (plus menthol) temporary patches,” suggests Froula.

3 Heavy luggage

According to Froula, heavy suitcases and picking up large items can wear you and your posture down.

“If you do opt to carry a bag, choose a backpack to balance the weight and prevent shoulder misalignment.

“Remove items from your handbag and use a bum bag or lightweight fanny pack,” she says.

4 Posture corrector

The great thing about a posture corrector is that you can wear it inside your clothing. Froula says it provides “instant shoulder retraction to correct hunching and slouching”.

“It also activates your posterior muscular chain, allowing you to stabilise and maintain a strong upper torso, ideal for long travel days,” she says.

Ask a medical specialist to recommend the correct posture corrector.

TRAVEL

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2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

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