When standing: Keep your feet slightly apart or put one foot in front of the other. Bend your knees a little, and tighten your stomach muscles. Try to keep your body in a straight line—avoid twisting. Your shoulders should be held back. If you must stand for a long period of time, place one foot on a small stool or lean against a wall.

Sitting down in a chair: If it is tough to get up and down because of painful knees or hips, consider a higher chair or an adjustable one that you can raise. The American Physical Therapy Association also recommends a "hip-hinge" method for getting into and out of a chair:

1. Straighten your back and look straight ahead.
2. Gently push down from your chest, and slowly bend your knees. If necessary, grab the arms of the chair for balance.
3. Lower yourself into the chair, using your hips like hinges.

While sitting: Try to keep your hips, knees, and ankles at a 90-degree angle so they form an L-shape. It also helps to stick a rolled towel or pillow in the small of your back.

Getting up from a chair: Again, think of your hips as hinges:

1. Lean forward, bending from your hips.
2. Put your feet straight out in front of you, and use your toes to "grab" the floor.
3. Slowly rise from the chair. Then, "unhinge" from your hips, gradually straightening into an upright position.

Lying down: If you tend to lie on your back, you may find that a regular pillow is uncomfortable. Instead, consider a specially designed neck pillow or small, rolled-up towel. When lying on your side, support your arms and legs with pillows.