Yoga ... will it help with posture ?

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I've recently started walking and jogging a lot and i'm having really bad back aches due to my heavy chest (tmi - sorry) and my general lack of good posture. I'm enjoying my walks and jogs but i can't really push myself at all because my back ends up hurting after 10 - 20 minutes it's so bad i end up walking home in real pain :(. I do wear a good sports bra, one specifically for larger chests so i am getting that support i need it's just my posture that fails me.

And so i was wondering if yoga could be a good idea to help improve my posture and back issues ? i'd be grateful for any experiences you guys have had with yoga ?

Thank you !

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
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    The best way to have good posture is to practice good posture, all day long. Nothing else comes close.

    That said, these stretches can help:

    http://www.exrx.net/Stretches/ChestGeneral/Doorway.html

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNk5uzzB1PM
    Position the ball under your chest, not your belly like he's doing.

    http://www.med4u.co.uk/BM_HT_posture_text.htm

    Do the first 2 for 20 seconds every hour if possible.

    When you say "back", do you mean lower, upper or middle?
  • JONZ64
    JONZ64 Posts: 1,280 Member
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    Not sure about Yoga itself, BUT Yoga Pants, straighten me out :laugh:
  • Fitnin6280
    Fitnin6280 Posts: 618 Member
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    Not sure about Yoga itself, BUT Yoga Pants, straighten me out :laugh:

    :laugh:
  • daniellabella986
    daniellabella986 Posts: 325 Member
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    I did Bikram Yoga a few times...I wouldn't say it's a drastic help but it does help some because it helps with your flexibility. Some of the poses helped me when I had lower back pain, but you still have to be careful because it's not always easy to jump into. Good luck!
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,787 Member
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    Yes, quite a bit.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
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    Regular old resistance training helped me a lot, too. And walking itself.
  • linhao
    linhao Posts: 12
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    The best way to have good posture is to practice good posture, all day long. Nothing else comes close.

    That said, these stretches can help:

    http://www.exrx.net/Stretches/ChestGeneral/Doorway.html

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNk5uzzB1PM
    Position the ball under your chest, not your belly like he's doing.

    http://www.med4u.co.uk/BM_HT_posture_text.htm

    Do the first 2 for 20 seconds every hour if possible.

    When you say "back", do you mean lower, upper or middle?

    I mean middle of the back, literally from being bent over a little (if that makes sense) even when i'm sitting i struggle to stay straight i kinda slouch forward a little

    I'm gonna give this a try, i have been consciously straightening myself out when i walk or sit but it's a tough habit to break i only start paying attention when my back starts hurting!
  • linhao
    linhao Posts: 12
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    I did Bikram Yoga a few times...I wouldn't say it's a drastic help but it does help some because it helps with your flexibility. Some of the poses helped me when I had lower back pain, but you still have to be careful because it's not always easy to jump into. Good luck!

    I'll have to research this aswell thank you !
  • linhao
    linhao Posts: 12
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    Not sure about Yoga itself, BUT Yoga Pants, straighten me out :laugh:

    :laugh: :laugh:
  • It has helped me with my "computer stoop" :)
  • gmhaggie06
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    i find that doing lower back exercises (good mornings, deadlifts, squats) and working out my core muscles have really helped my posture, it feels like everything is in a line, almost like a puppet that's string was pulled tight
  • dshalbert
    dshalbert Posts: 677 Member
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    Yoga does help with posture. A lot of physical therapist use yoga poses and position on patients to strengthen their back. Pilates is also excellent for your back and posture.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
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    Yes, yoga help with posture. If you do it regularly.
  • linhao
    linhao Posts: 12
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    Thank you all for your advice, i've started yoga and i saw immediate results - like someone else said it was almost as if i'd been pulled up by invisible strings!

    So now every morning i get up and do a few stretches that i learnt in my first yoga class and i can already see a difference so i'm going to pursue it , it really is relaxing and great for my back :D
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
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    Welcome to the yoga family.