‘Love yourself’ this Valentine’s Day

Transform your shape - in less than ten seconds!

February 14 is almost upon us, the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other but have you forgotten how to love yourself?

In the run up to Valentine’s Day, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is calling on those stuck in a cycle of bad habits to ‘love yourself’. It has devised a series of quick and easy tips that can help you to look and feel good in an instant - having a date to impress is a bonus!

By employing three simple, postural techniques you can boost your self-image instantly and look good in the long-term, says chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo.

‘Valentine’s Day is a day for someone special but there is no-one more special than you. If you lack confidence about how you look don’t worry. You can transform your figure in less than ten seconds - simply with a change in your posture.

‘Poor posture can lead to a host of musculo-skeletal problems such as neck and shoulder pain. Slouching while sitting or standing can weaken your stomach and lower back muscles and leave you with a paunch, slumped shoulders, rounded back and tight hips.’

With Valentine’s Day approaching some people can feel under pressure to look good, especially if they intend on catching the eye of someone else. Adjusting your posture can make a huge difference to the way you look and keep back, shoulder and neck pain at bay.

‘Bad posture can also give the psychological impression of being closed, disengaged and uninterested. Simply throwing back your shoulders and walking and sitting tall can do wonders for your appearance and confidence. It is also good for your physical health.’

Disclaimer: This article summarises guidance originally produced by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), based on their “Posture Perfect” campaign. The original CSP web page is no longer publicly accessible.

Source: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), “Posture Perfect” leaflet (archived PDF).

An archived PDF of the CSP Posture Perfect guide is available [here]