Free online exercises to help straighten up

Free online exercise programme to help New Zealanders straighten up

The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association (NZCA) is urging all New Zealanders to take three minutes a day to improve posture, core strength and spinal health through the Straighten Up New Zealand programme, available free online.

NZCA spokesman Dr Simon Kelly says October 16 is World Spine Day and the perfect time to introduce New Zealanders to the Straighten Up New Zealand programme.

“Straighten Up New Zealand is a World Health Organisation endorsed exercise programme. It consists of a series of basic stretches and is designed to be undertaken daily”, said Dr Kelly.

“Straighten Up New Zealand has been introduced to schools in Auckland with very positive results. This simple series of stretching exercises is short enough to be easily fitted into daily routines. Research has highlighted improvements in a study group who did the exercises every day for a five week period. In that study, 80 percent of the group noticed an improvement in posture and core muscle strength,” said Dr Kelly.

Auckland schools who have introduced Straighten Up were also positive about results. Marlene Fletcher, Deputy Principal of Buckland School, Franklin has noticed improved posture, improved concentration, calmness, increased self esteem and self awareness amongst students since Straighten Up was introduced. “The thing I liked most about the program is that it was aimed at the level of the children, and then to extend them. The program promoted health and looking after yourself”, said Marlene Fletcher.

The Straighten Up New Zealand exercises are available from Chiropractors or online at: www.straightenup.org.nz

ENDS

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