To help your body help itself, you need to work the muscles around your middle to give them the strength they need to set things straight.  If you're looking to improve your posture, incorporate each one of these moves into your daily routine three times a week.

Dry-Land Swimming (strengthens the lower back)

Lie facedown with your arms extended overhead, palms down, and with your legs extended behind, feet slightly apart. Contract your abs. Keep your head and neck in line with your spine. Simultaneously lift your right arm and left leg about 6 inches off the floor. Next, slowly begin to kick your legs up and down while drawing your arms out to the sides and back in toward you. Continue this motion for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds; then repeat the drill twice more. Gradually build up to 60 seconds for 3 sets.

Wall Stretch (stretches the lower back)

Lie faceup on the floor and extend your legs straight up along a wall, feet pointing to the ceiling. Bend your knees until you can rest your feet flat against the wall. Your butt may naturally slide back a little, but try to keep it as close to the wall as you can to feel the stretch. Slowly lift your butt and back off the floor (for a count of 15) until you end up on your shoulder blades. Try to imagine each vertebrae being drawn off the floor to help you keep an even pace. Slowly roll yourself back down and repeat twice more.

Crossovers (strengthens all three sections of the abs: upper, lower, obliques)

Lie faceup on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on floor. Cross your right ankle just below your left knee. Place your left hand behind your head, elbow pointing forward (your right hand can rest on your midsection). Slowly curl your torso up off the floor and twist to the right, drawing your left elbow to your right knee, hold briefly. Be sure that your opposite side stays on the floor. Otherwise you're performing a crunch. Return to starting position. Repeat for as many repetitions as you can. Once you're done, switch leg positions to work the opposite side.

The Cobra (stretches the lower back)

Lie facedown with your forehead touching the floor, hands underneath your shoulders, palms down and elbows close to your body. Slowly raise your forehead, chin and then chest off the floor, straightening your arms, but keeping the elbows slightly bent. Lift with your back--not your arms. Look upward and breathe while keeping your hips pressed against the floor. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and then lower yourself back down. Repeat once more.

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