If you're like me, you probably spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen.
In fact, you probably spend a lot of time in a hunched over position. Whether it's sitting at a desk, in a car, or on the couch, the default position for many people is shoulders forward, hips flexed, back slightly bent, and hunched over.
Here's the problem...
Eventually, this hunched over position leads to tightness, inflexibility, and poor posture. You'll start to feel hip pain, back pain, tight muscles, and more.
You need something to open your body back up, pull you into proper alignment, and help you stand up straight. After searching for a lot of alternatives, I have one simple exercise that will do the trick.
The Simple Mobility Cure
The exercise in the video below is taught by Max Shank and he says it is "arguably the best mobility exercise you can possibly do."
After doing this for a few months, I would agree.
The exercise is called the Thoracic Bridge and there are two reasons why it is awesome.
- It keeps life simple. I know that my body would benefit from doing more mobility and flexibility work each day, but I also have dozens of responsibilities that are more of a priority in my life. I don't want to constantly assess which joints need work and then memorize 30 different mobility exercises and decide which one to use. Instead, I would rather have one or two simple exercises that I can consistently implement to avoid most problems. The Thoracic Bridge keeps things simple while still providing big benefits.
- It can be done in just 30 seconds without equipment. Add this mobility exercise into your work day and you'll immediately feel the benefit in your hips, shoulders and back. The first time I did it, I cracked my own back and immediately felt my posture improve. But what makes it particularly useful is that you don't need any equipment or special gear. All you need is some open space and a willingness to get in a strange position for 30 seconds.
Here's how to do it...
Thoracic Bridge Tutorial
James Clear writes at JamesClear.com, where he shares science-based ideas for living a better life and building habits that stick. To get strategies for boosting your mental and physical performance by 10x, join his free newsletter.
This article was originally published on JamesClear.com.