Do people comment on your great posture or are you slouching your way through life? Did you know slouching uses five times as much energy as standing up straight? Perfecting your posture takes some effort, but the health benefits are worth it.

Chiropractor George Berki said, "Studies have shown that a forward head posture and slouching that reduces your lung capacity by 30% and if you are not getting enough oxygen into your system then you're not going to have as much energy." And that's not all: Bad posture can cause headaches, neck, and back pain as well.

So here are five ways to improve your posture. Number one, be aware of the way you sit. Dr. Berki said, "When you're sitting in your office chair at work you want to sit with your hips higher than your knees or at least at the same level that will take some pressure at."

Next, do some exercises throughout the day to limber up. Dr. Berki said simply putting your hands behind your back opens your chest. And gently stretching your neck muscles helps as well.

Number three, remind yourself what standing up straight actually feels like. "Find a wall that you can get your feet up against the wall roll your shoulder blades back and bring your head back and do a slight squeeze with your neck," he suggested.

Another exercise is shoulder strengthening by trying to pinch your shoulder blades either with your arms at your side or palms face up.

And lastly, do some planks. These are done face down or on your side. Dr. Berki said only do what is comfortable. If you don't have the strength to have your legs straight, you can bend your knees.

Find what works for you. If you like running but you're starting to feel some back pain then try something else, like biking or swimming. As always, if you are feeling great pain, it's wise to see a doctor.