Perfect your poolside posture

The physio guide to body confidence on the beach.

If you lack confidence about how you look on the beach, chartered physiotherapists have come up with simple postural techniques that will help boost your self-image instantly - and can do you good in the long term.

To help men and women get over the dread of donning their swimwear this summer, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has produced a new guide listing seven quick and easy ways you can create the illusion of a toned, fitter body ensuring you feel confident enough to hit the beach with pride.

'We see lots of images of celebrities on the beach in their bikinis and trunks; and more recently in Speedos, but you don't have to be skinny to feel confident in your swimwear,' says chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo.

'By following the CSP's quick and easy steps, you can instantly 'look' fitter. These exercises are designed to firm up your muscles and minimise the risk of other conditions, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, and incontinence.'

The CSP's tips are straightforward and require no special equipment. They are easy enough to integrate into daily life and can help you retain good postural health and muscle tone in important areas. Sammy says:

'The guide is especially useful for anyone who has put off preparing their body for their annual fortnight on the beach. You can start today and help your confidence this summer. And even after your summer holiday, with practise, you can keep that healthy body all year round.'​