Posture

AnneFordham
AnneFordham Posts: 12
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello MFP'ers, I wondered if anyone out there could give me advice on improving my posture - I have always held myself badly, I slouch my shoulders constantly, when sitting and standing. It has got so bad lately that my back aches and I get a burn between my shoulders.
Are there any exercises that would help - I try to correct my posture whenever I think to do so, but it is such a bad habit now.
When I see photos of myself the first thing I look at is my posture, and I always seem to slouch even if I had made an effort not too!!
Do you think this is something that I will just have to accept?

Replies

  • 85specialk
    85specialk Posts: 27
    try pilates :)
  • Ninjitsu
    Ninjitsu Posts: 163
    I'd suggest taking dance classes.

    Anything you find that you can fall in love with (that makes you hold posture for long periods of time) should help.

    :)

    Best of luck to you!

    -Rain
  • Goal_Seeker_1988
    Goal_Seeker_1988 Posts: 1,619 Member
    I slouch all the time too but everyone says I have great posture while doin my weight training so idk. Try weight training and gettin proper form. Maybe that'll give ya better posture.
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    1. Concentration.
    2. Stop slouching on you couch/recliner/chair.
    3. Tighten the back muscles;
    Straight leg dead lifts, chin ups, bent rows, military press.
    4. Make sure your pants fit. Poor fitting pants CAN cause you to slouch and let your belly sag, to hold them in place, with out you realising it.
  • rockabyesarojane
    rockabyesarojane Posts: 471
    i had the same problem with slouching even when i was trying hard not to. Yoga has helped sooo much. Give it a whirl.
  • girlinahat
    girlinahat Posts: 2,956 Member
    stop trying to correct the posture - chances are you are over-correcting and tightening the muscles excessively.

    try Alexander Technique. It's not about correct posture, more about relaxing the muscles you are using incorrectly and using the right muscles for the task.


    I find Pilates and yoga help loosen me up and I walk more tall.
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    you need to strengthen your core muscles... your stomach and back muscles... I would hit the crunches and the back ward crunches that work your back muscles...


    I am glad that you see that you have a problem. Its incredibly bad for you and it will cause so many problems spine wise as you get older.. which is no good especially considering that as you age your bones naturally weaken. Having a curved spine will weaken your bones even quicker... and that is no bueno!

    Strengthen your core, and then conciously make an effort to sit up straight... roll your shoulders back, tuck your butt under and pretend like someone is pushing the middle of your back forward! It will be painful at first, but your back will get used to it. its all about strengthening those muscles.
  • AnneFordham
    AnneFordham Posts: 12
    Thanks everyone, I will take on board all your suggestions, particuarly regarding strengthening my back and core muscles, and maybe trying some Yoga which I have always fancied trying!
    Thanks again, Anne
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