Does your back ache after a long day at work? If so, you aren’t alone in your misery. Back injuries account for 1 out of 5 workplace injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While it is possible to injure your back by lifting incorrectly, carrying heavy boxes or turning the wrong way, more often back injuries develop slowly. The most common cause of a bad back is related to how the bones are aligned (your posture), which in turn directly affects the health of the ligaments, and muscle tone, promoting balanced strength and flexibility.

The following tips will help you improve your posture and decrease muscle fatigue to keep you on your feet and ready for dancing!

Tip #1

Stand in efficient alignment. From the side view, the middle of the ear should line up with the middle of the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. The bones of the skeleton were designed to carry the weight of the body while the muscles create movement. In poor alignment the muscles are asked to overwork, resulting in fatigue and strain. Visualize your head and spine as a helium balloon tied with a string as you are standing and walking. Let it pull you into an upright position. » Read more: Bad Backs - 10 Tips to Better Back Health