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What Muscle to Stand up Straighter

rethink Posts: 3 Joined: 2003/04/12	2003/06/12, 11:25 AM What back muscle do i work out to make it so that I stand up straighter?
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/06/12, 11:28 AM well I think first you need to let us know if you have a medical condition or just have bad posture? The back as a whole should be worked and tht should help witht he standing up straight. Also if you slouch when you realize that sit up straight. I hope this helps -------------- Squats are really a very good thing, but in my world, Deadlifts are King!!!!!!!!
sweitz14 Posts: 45 Joined: 2003/03/28	2003/06/12, 11:35 AM Just saw and exercise for this. I believe it was in Men's Health. It is primarily a lower ab exercise, but they said it also helps to improve your posture. Using two light weight (10-15lb) dumbells lay flat on your back with a dumbell in each hand extended straight over your head. Starting position is arms and legs on the floor. Then simultaniously bring your legs and arms straight up (legs about 10" arms a little lower)your shoulders should come very slightly off the ground. Also be sure to really extend your arms up, because that is the part that will improve your posture. It should also be a slow controlled movement. Hope this helps!
rethink Posts: 3 Joined: 2003/04/12	2003/06/13, 01:51 PM i have bad posture because i work on a computer all day long.
rickyshot Posts: 153 Joined: 2003/05/13	2003/06/13, 07:28 PM Get a PT to show yu core exercises. I do a lot of moves on the Swiss ball. Pilates is wonderful for posture and strenghtnig the back. There is a balance board you can work on too. But form and breathing are very important in these exercises and I strongly recommend you get a PT or instructor who is knowledgeble in this stuff.
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/06/13, 10:42 PM I would recommend boosting your entire posterior chain. You'll want to focus on your lower back muscles, but work on the gluteals and upper back muscles will help as well. Unfortunately, none of that will make a giant difference unless you make a concerted effort to SIT UP STRAIGHT!! -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan
plfitness Posts: 198 Joined: 2003/05/25	2003/06/14, 02:18 AM Posteral correction must first start with identifying the paticular problem. In the early stages of poor posture simply strengthening the body in whole & pying close attention to posture can result in tremendous progress. However in more advanced cases where postural misalignments are present the process can be a little more detailed & you should consult with phyhsical therapist on the best way to precede. Assuming that there is no underlying medical condition thre are a few areas to focus on strengthening to improve posture. First & foremost you must maintain(or develope) a balance between the muscles of the chest & the muscles of the upper back. Most people tend to focus on pressing movements instead of heavy rowing or other back work which tends to pull the soulders foward tilting the upper body forward. Anothe cause of this is neglecting rear delts and the trapezious, especially the lower fibers of the traps which are hit by doing a variation of rowing where the arms remain straight & you simply pull back & squeeze the shoulder blades together. As for the lower back consider this, how often do you see people training hip flexors & lumbars compared to abs? Neglecting these two muscle groups & overtraining abdominals will cause a rounding of the spine & can lead to more serious problems. Remember that when it comes to posture & injury prevention the key is to obtain a balance between all opposing muscle goups, if one is stronger than the other it will pull the body towards it, I hope this helps & good luck with your training! -------------- \\"Knowledge & persistence is all one needs to succeed\"\ ---Patrick L.
Lonegirl Posts: 446 Joined: 2002/11/13	2003/06/19, 06:27 AM Don't forget your abs!