3 Easy Exercises to Solve Your Shopping-Induced Aches and Pains

'Tis the season to schlep, haul, and carry your heavy Christmas Eve groceries, gifts, and basically everything needed for Santa's sleigh to run successfully. All that weight can do a number on your neck, back, and shoulders, making you one sore shopper come the holidays. Below, Real Beauty expert Physical Therapy Director of New York Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy shares three easy exercises to ward off shopping-induced shoulder pain.

Related: Expert Q&A: Relieve Neck Pain Fast

Try Your ABCs

Think ABC (abs, blades, curl): Engage your core/abs, push your shoulder blades together while holding your bags in both hands, and curl your fists up to your shoulders. Sexy abs and no shoulder pain? Looks like you can have your (low-fat) cake and eat it too.

Related: 10 Shortcuts to Strong, Sexy Abs


Switch It Up

Switch hands every block to distribute the weight of the shopping bags. Also, if you know you're due for a serious day of shopping, keep your purse load light. Bring only the essential items you know you'll need and leave home the extras (i.e. your makeup bag, your backup cell phone batteries, etc.).

Related: Get Relief from Lower Back Pain


Engaged Your Other Muscles

Do 10 squats when you're stopped at a traffic light or a mall bench. This activates other muscles so you won't feel so much pressure on just your arms. Find out how to get firm arms in just 15 minutes.

Related: Get Lean Legs in 7 Days


Learn the Alexander Technique

For chronic back and shoulder pain, it might be worth your time to invest in learning the Alexander Technique. According to UC Berkeley' s Wellness Letter, developed over a century ago by F. Matthias Alexander, an actor, the technique is neither massage nor exercise, nor physical therapy, but individualized training to improve posture, muscle tone, and movement. A teacher observes you carefully in each session, advising you on ways to move, sit, and stand efficiently, without undue strain. Alexander originally intended the technique for singers and actors needing to reduce vocal tension. Over the years it has been adapted as a treatment for various kinds of musculoskeletal pain.

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.