Let’s be honest – it’s no surprise that wearing high heels all the time isn’t doing your back/legs/feet any favours… But is that enough to make you trade in your Loubies for a pair of flats? Thought not. So instead, we went to the experts to find out how we can still wear our fave stilettos while minimising all the bad body karma.

Dubai personal training brand ICAN PT says that sitting or strutting in stilettos often affects the natural muscle alignment of the body, leading to strains on certain areas such as the back, chest, and abdominal muscles. So to maintain a good posture and lean flexibility, they recommend this quick circuit:

1.          Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the floor and stretch one leg out straight to the side. Bending the other knee, place the bottom of the foot on the inside of the stretched leg. Stretch forward, trying to touch the toes of the extended leg. Repeat again on the other side.

2.          Hip Flexor Stretch: Stand in a neutral position and adopt a static lunge position. Place the back leg on the floor and push the hips forward and can feel the stretch through the hips and pelvis. Return to the standing position, and repeat on the opposite leg.

3.          Lower Back Stretch: Sitting on the knees, stretch forward until the hands and forehead are touching floor; the stretch should be felt especially in the lower part of the back.

4.          Chest Stretch: Stand in a neutral position and place both hands in the lower back, where the back slightly curves inwards and push the arms to bring the elbows closer together.

5.          Back Strengthening: Exercises to strengthen the upper back will help maintain a straight spine and stop curvature of the shoulders. Try resistance band rows, cable flys and TRX rows; these retraction workouts will prevent weight bearing on the chest, instead balancing it across the back.

6.          Glute Strengthening: What woman doesn’t want toned curves? Toned glutes will also allow for a better sitting position and posture. Try step-ups, clams, and lateral band walks.

7.          Lower Abdominal Strengthening: Everyone is searching for a flat tummy. A strong core gives that beach body feeling all year round, preventing excessive curvature in the lower spine. Different plank variations are a great way to define abdominal muscles. Try normal, side, and spiderman planks for a mixed workout. Reverse hip lifts and the pike on a Swiss ball are also great ways to get a flat stomach.

Now where are those new Choo’s?