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Fix your posture, look leaner? Yes, it's true: 3 exercises to get you there

Turns out, mom was right: Good posture is important.
/ Source: TODAY

Sit up straight!

How many times did you hear that command as a child? Turns out, mom was right: Good posture is important.

If you spend most of your day hunched over a desk, then over time, your body and spine will likely become stuck in that “C” shape. Your back will become rounded and your shoulders will roll forward, plus, your belly will start to "pooch" out, making you look pounds heavier.

The good news? You can do something about it! Check out these simple moves to strengthen your back and help you straighten up.

Reverse claps with good posture

TODAY
Brandon Goodwin

Stand with good posture, feet shoulder-width apart, and bring arms behind you by squeezing your shoulder blades together; face palms towards each other and clap palms together (or get them as close as you can together, depending on your range of motion). Go for 100 reps.

Claps without your hands touching

TODAY
Brandon Goodwin

Stand with good posture, knees slightly bent, and bring arms straight out in front of you, palms facing each other and quickly bring them together by “fluttering” your hands near each other as if clapping but stop just short of touching your hands together. “Clap” as quickly as possible while keeping your core engaged and torso stable. Do 100 reps.

Upper cuts

TODAY
Brandon Goodwin

Stand with feet shoulder width apart and arms in front of you with elbows bent, fists facing toward you; keeping elbows bent, quickly and alternately “punch” up towards the ceiling. Start without using weights and do three rounds of 30 reps each until you can do 100.

Do these as part of your upper body workout 2-3x a week.

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