| Poor posture begins early in life. The first signs are | | | | 1. Know which aspect of your upper body requires |
| rounded shoulders and a forward head. This is | | | | support. If it's your shoulders, ensure the brace you |
| unflattering, and over time can develop into a | | | | are considering provides straps that effectively pull |
| condition known as hyperkyphosis, or forward head | | | | your shoulders back. If your concern is curvature of |
| posture. | | | | the spine, consider a brace with stiffer |
| Improving your posture will not just make you look | | | | reinforcements along that area. |
| taller and more confident; it can also increase your | | | | 2. Many braces that correct shoulder slumping feature |
| energy and well-being immensely. Preventing | | | | thin straps that eventually dig into the underarm area. |
| hyperkyhosis is important, because it is associated | | | | Ensure that the product you are looking at features |
| with numerous health problems later in life. Here are | | | | larger straps or some form of padding. Otherwise, |
| four quick ways to improve your posture throughout | | | | consider wearing a t-shirt underneath to prevent |
| the day. | | | | chafing along the strap area. |
| Adapt supportive daily habits. The greatest influence | | | | 3. Many braces advertise that they can be worn |
| on posture is your habits: how you sit, stand, and | | | | under clothing, but some are a little bulky (especially if |
| move throughout the day. If you sit a lot, educate | | | | you need to wear a t-shirt underneath as well as |
| yourself on proper sitting habits. | | | | over top). Be sure to look at product images and |
| Do corrective posture exercises. Learning proper | | | | read customer reviews. |
| office sitting positions, integrating active sitting and | | | | 4. Some posture support braces are constructed |
| corrective exercises in your daily routine will go a long | | | | from latex. While latex provides flexibility, it is not |
| way towards reversing poor posture. | | | | breathable. Choose one made from Lycra, spandex, |
| Do reverse stretching. This is one of the most | | | | or other fabrics to ensure proper ventilation. |
| overlooked ways to improving posture. In reverse | | | | 5. Some braces provide more support than others. If |
| stretching, you put your body in the opposite shape | | | | the support is too weak, you will forget about the |
| of your habitual holding patterns. If you stay in the | | | | brace and slump back into a poor posture. Look for a |
| position for 5-10 minutes, you'll gradually begin to | | | | brace that is firm enough to ensure continuous spinal |
| reshape the connective tissue that keeps you locked | | | | support. |
| into a bad pose. | | | | 6. When buying a support brace, don't sacrifice quality |
| Use a support brace. While not a panacea in and of | | | | for price. Remember, you are purchasing a device for |
| itself, a posture brace can be a great reminder to sit | | | | your health. Focus on one that will effectively |
| and stand straight. | | | | improve your posture and/or back pain. A well |
| Shopping for a brace can be overwhelming, as there | | | | constructed device will serve you better in the long |
| are many varieties which focus on different support | | | | run. |
| issues, for instance, reversing rounded shoulders, | | | | 7. Adjustability is an important feature. Everybody is |
| general support, and lumbar support. Here are eight | | | | built differently, and even specifically sized braces |
| tips for selecting the best support brace for the | | | | can't offer the perfect dimensions for everyone. For |
| shoulders and upper back. | | | | a best fit look for one with adjustable straps. |