posture

[thinkgod1]

my posture needs improvement any suggestions?

 

[BusyBee]

Core ... core ... core. I tend to hunch over or "slump" when I sit. I found that once I started really focusing on my core strength the posture came into line and was much more natural without having to remind myself to "sit up". I add a segment of CoreMax to the end of my routines every other workout. I workout 6 times per week and usually work the abs 4 times in any given week. The Coremax would be in addition to any workout that may or may not have had core work in it. This is just my personal experience. I hope you find it helpful.

Jenn

 

[Melclear]

I personally found that S&H chest and back has done wonders for my posture. I sit up so much straighter now, chest out, shoulders back...that plus Core work made a huge difference for me.

 

[CurlyQ]

The core and back strengthening suggestions are great. Also, stretching the chest (if you have forward rounding shoulders), hamstrings or hip flexors dependent on how your pelvis tips - hams if it tips back (rounded lower back), flexors if it tips forward (exaggerated arch). The most important thing, in my opinion, is being aware of it as often as possible and correcting it. Changing the habit of how you stand or sit is really the most difficult part. I always try to think about it when I'm driving b/c I tend to slouch, round my shoulders and jut my chin out (lovely imagex( ). If you stand a lot, try to keep your weight balance on both feet.

Pilates is also a great way to improve posture but I would only recommend it if you could work w/ an instructor or take a class b/c it is so important to have the proper form. It takes a long time to "get it", it's very instructional.

 

[kathryn]

Be sure to include upper back and rear shoulder workout in your routines. Also, if you already have posture problems (from slouching, sitting at a desk all day or whatever), consider doing more total back exercises than chest exercises to help correct the probably imbalance in strength and flexibility (we do a lot of forward movement in our daily lives and it's necessary to counteract the usually stronger front shoulder/chest and usually weaker/more stretchy upper back/rear shoulder).

Also, whenever doing any upper body exercise in particular (and any resistance training in general)keep your shoulders back and down and your chest up to help lock in good posture.