We are consistently bombarded by screens in our daily life. Tablets, phones, laptops and our desire to be connected at all times encourages a froward head, rounded shoulders and a slumping posture. All of this spells too much flexion and mechanical overload on our posterior chain. Our bodies succumb to gravity. It is inevitable as we are naturally programmed to choose the path of least resistance.

I wanted to share an effective exercise to hit the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and improve overall postural strength and endurance. Begin lying face down over a stability ball as if you are diving into the pool (back will be rounded). Keep the feet about shoulder width apart. Next, retract the neck and lift the head and upper torso up as you simultaneously pull the elbows down and back as if you were pulling them into your back pockets. As you move into extension, squeeze the shoulder blades together at the top of the motion and pause for 1 second prior to returning to the start position. Perform 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions. The video below demonstrates how to execute the movement.

If you do not have a ball, the exercise can be done on the floor by placing 2-3 pillows beneath the hips in order to begin in a certain degree of flexion. As a general rule, avoid moving too far up into hyperextension. I prefer to have clients hold for a longer time at or slightly above neutral spine position to increase time under tension for a greater challenge.