Moves that help maintain good posture

To develop strength, flexibility and balance all in one move, practice this classic yoga posture called “triangle pose.” It stretches the muscles around the spine and hips while it strengthens the legs. Standing postures such as this one also expand your chest and help improve your breathing capacity.

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1 Stand with your legs 3 to 3 1/2 feet apart (or the length of one leg). Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in 45 degrees. Draw an imaginary line between the heel of your right foot with the arch of your left foot. Face forward and, as you inhale, raise your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.

2 As you exhale, shift your hips slightly to the left and place your right hand down on your right shin or rest it on a yoga block, then reach your left arm up. As much as you can, bring both sides of your torso parallel to the floor. Look up toward the top hand and, if your neck feels uncomfortable, look forward or down to the ground. Make sure you don’t bend too far down, because this will cause your hips to push backward. Stay in this pose while breathing fully for 15 to 20 seconds. Return to the start position and repeat the same sequence on your left side.

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-- Karen Voight