Improving back posture

[Mercury21]

Guys, do you know of any ways that we can improve our back postures? I want to know, because right now I walk, like most people do, with my shoulders slightly hunched over, and sit with a lazy back. I realize I am doing this, and will try to walk straight, but the problem with that is that sometimes I over do it, and it appears I am marching in the army or something.

Another problem with bad back posture is that my neck will want to stick out forward a little, like a goose neck or something. This is nothing abnormal, like I have a condition or something. Most people these days are like this because many of us have forgotten the importance of a good posture.

So does anybody know of any methods to fix a bad posture? From the most simple ways to the most advanced medical procedures?

 

[nw1512]

pull your shoulders back and learn to breath correctly this improves posture over time

 

[nw1512]

also you might wanna try yoga or jujitsu or kung fu to improve your stretching and inturn improving your posture

 

[MrNiceGuy]

just try and remember to stand up straight and hold good posture, eventually it'll become habitual and you'll do it without thinking,

I wish my parents had drilled it into me more to stand up straight, from the age of about 9 onwards I was embarrased about my height (I'm 6'4 now and was always tall as a child/teenager) and used to stoop alot, my parents tried to get me to stand up straight but I never listened. Still a few years back I made a concious effort to correct my posture and its worked, now walking tall and it makes a hell of a difference to your confidence, I'd advise sticking at it to correct it. The only problem I have now is my shoulders are still quite rounded so I'm tyring to exercise to improve it, as well as the rest of body

 

[All_Torque]

Also try and sleep so you don't have a hunched back... beforelong it'll be natural to walk with a straight back...

 

[seloifter]

There are many ways to help this

One of the most overlooked problems about back posture is neck position. When we're young, we have a tendency to stick our necks forward.... this is actually bad for your back. Stick your neck backwards so it almost feels like you're giving yourself a double chin. It fealls really awkward, but it is very helpful! Once you get used to it, it'll be a great asset.

The shoulders are also important. The basic method to get them straightened out is to relax them as much as you can and then stick your chest out. They will naturally reach back a little, restraightening your posture.

Finally, but most certainly not least, when you are sitting, don't use a backrest. Your back shouldn't be against any support - as this only weakens it. However, it is even worse if there is no support and you're hunching over like a neanderthal. So make sure your back is as straight as possible! I recommend getting one of thsoe new excersise balls for your office chair. I have one, and love it. I can even stretch on it when I'm tired

 

[Metaphor]

A few months of neck and back isometrics along with some chest stretches will completely alleviate this. For the neck it's difficult to explain but you basically tuck it down so the skin gathers at your chin and nothing else mvoes while holding this position for 5-10 seconds. Do 8-12 repetitions twice a day.
This teaches your head not to lean forward which is a typical sympton of being on a computer too long. When the head goes forward the rest of the body goes to follow it. For the back you can do isometric contrations on a rowing machine and hold for 5-10seconds again. Chest stretching is self-explanatory.

 

[wheelin&dealin]

Deadlifts, Squats, Good Mornings...

 

[Mercury21]

Thanks guys. In fact, I have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the past 3 years, although I never knew it could improve my posture. I probably need to work out my shoulders more, as I admit it is the one area of my body I work out the least....that could be it!

Sometime ago, I heard of a brace that guys can wear that kind of looks like a tanktop,or "wife beater", but is really tight like a straight jacket. It is supposed to straighten out our postures perfectly. Has anybody ever heard of this? I have been reluctent to try it out because it may appear I am wearing a bra or something underneath my shirt!

But I will give those exercises you guys mentioned a try...they sound pretty good.

 

[flava]

your abdominals and your back are the biggest factors in a good posture. i always like to say image=confidence. ive studied body language for about 2 years and ive learned how important posture is to what people will percive of you. if you have a slight hunch in your posture, walk with your head down, or any other improper way of posture, you wont come off with the "confident" image that we all so try to attain. but usually tis is due to weak abs and back so the best exercise if found to be effective are:

abs: cable rope crunches(my favorite),leg raises,twisting crunches

lower back: deadlifts, hyperextensions(favorite of mine),good mornings

upper and middle back: seated cable rows, lat pull downs(favorite), pull ups( another fav), dumbell and barbell rows.

so try these out and stand hi

peace out im finished

 

[dip]

good ideas everyone

When i was about 15(im 16 now) i realized that my posture was horrible. I would always catch myself walking around like a huntchback. I knew i had to do something, so i began to watch other people. In school in the morning, my friend and i would look at other pepoles posture, and make fun of the bad ones, and see how the good ones where.

We also realized that some people TRY TOO HARD with posture, and when they walk, they do it too much and they look gay. So, look at other people and stick ur shoulders up, BUT dont do it too much.

 

[DannyOcean]

A couple of other ideas:

1. A lot of us probably spend a good amount of time on a computer and that can ruin good posture. Something to think about (although it may seem strange): You know those exercise balls that are so popular. Buy one and sit on it while you're on the computer. It pretty much forces you to have perfect posture. Here's some more info on that:

http://www.bodytrends.com/ballchar.htm

2. OK, this one will seem really gay but it works.

"The Miss America Drill"

Stand with your back against a wall. Your butt, upper back, shoulders, neck and back of your arms should all be flush against the wall. I've also heard that your lower back should be but I find this difficult to do. Once you're positioned, walk away from the wall and try to retain your posture. You won't be able to do so perfectly but the posture you do retain will be just about right.