How to improve posture?

[KayM]

I have terrible posture and I'd like to try to improve it. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for exercises which will help with this? I've heard that swimming is great for posture, but I don't have ready access to a swimming pool.

Thanks in advance for any posture advice!

 

[getnfit@38]

Hi Kay,

I may be wrong, but I think Cathe has said that you can improve your posture through weight training.
And I know I've heard it said that adding pilates to your workout routine improves posture.

Hopefully someone with actual knowledge will respond.

Donna

 

[Bernard]

Hi Kay/Donna,

I too, have heard that Pilates is good for improving the posture, which is why a lot of dancers partake in it.

Anna

 

[Debra]

Pilates is great for posture - Shoulders back, neck long, abs pulled toward the spine, ribs closed, etc. I also find yoga is good but that may vary widely with instructors.

The stabilization work in Cathe's Slow & Heavy workouts & Power Hour are a sneaky way to work on your posture too.

Debra

 

[Connie1]

A lot of people's poor posture stems from too-tight hip flexors. This makes people strain their shoulders and neck, trapezius and other upper body muscles, reaching up for things while their hip is not straight- the back is swayed making the lower tummy stick out a little. This might not be your problem but I read that it is very common, so it's a good thing to be aware of.