With both footy seasons well and truly underway, it’s time to bring out the jersey, dust off the scarves and support your favourite teams! But it is also important to show your spine just as much love!
Did you know that your spine is basically your number one fan? It is your body’s central support structure and allows you to move about freely and bend with flexibility. Importantly, it also keeps you upright and connects the different parts of the skeleton to each other like the head, chest, pelvis, shoulders, arms and legs.
That’s why, just like your favourite sport, it deserves your undivided attention and support, by implementing positive spinal health habits. So when you gather around with family and friends, and get ready to cheer on the team, try and remember these helpful spinal health tips:
- Pay attention to your posture by trying to sit with your shoulders back and relaxed and avoid tilting you head forward, backwards or sideways. It may not feel ‘natural’ or comfortable at first, but if you keep practising, it will become a great habit!
- When your team takes a break every quarter or half, join them by doing some light stretches. Frustrated with the referees or umpires? Go for a little walk to blow off some steam.
- The game isn’t going how you wanted? Distract yourself by being productive and doing some household chores like ironing, or folding clothes, that way something good can come out of a bad score board!
The Straighten Up app, developed by the Australian Chiropractors Association, is also a great tool to help improve your posture, not only during footy season but all year round.
The app features a three-minute stretching program designed to help improve your spinal health, stabilise core muscles and enhance overall wellbeing. Check it out for yourself and download it for free from the App Store or Google Play.
Your ACA chiropractor can also help. They can provide you with tailored and appropriate care, as well as lifestyle advice to help improve your spinal health and overall wellbeing. To find your local ACA chiropractor visit findachiro.org.au