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TERRIBLE Posture

NYCniceguy

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For 26 years I didn't listen to my mom when she told me to sit up and walk straight, and now I want to do something about it. I slouch terribly when I walk, sit or stand. It's a worthless habit and a big shame, because I am fit, have a good body and nice height. I think slouching makes me less attractive, but I've been doing it for so long that it feels unnatural not to. Has anyone beaten this issue on their own, and are there appropriate physical (or mental) exercises that can help? Thanks
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Debaser

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I'm nearly certified Posture Alignment Specialist. I could probably help you quite a bit, considering this is my profession
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I have to go for now but I'll get in touch with you later.
 

Renault78law

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I have horrible posture too, would love to hear what you have to say.
 

esquire.

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same problem. i did notice that when you walk through a city and see your reflection, you'd automatically straighten up. otherwise, you forget you're slouching.
 

benchan

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Wuld like to hear from a professional as well. Personally I find doing "bridging" exercise helps my posture quite a bit---Kind of like during a push-up with your feet elevated on a chair, but instead of going down and up again, hold the position for 30 secs each time. Other variation of core strengthening exercise will also help.
 

arenn1

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My posture is terrible. I have always walked with my head down, instead of straight up, facing ahead. I have to constantly, consciously remind myself to stand straight up. I trace the origin of this to childhood when I lived in the country and had to watch where I stepped, since my house was surrounded on three sides by cow pastures
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I think I pretty much have had my shoulder blades and spine adapt to this stance, such that it is natural and I'm not sure what I can do to really fix it. If anybody else has suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. Another note on posture, courtesy of my high school typing teacher. She always made us sit with our feet flat on the floor, a shoulder width, straight up in the chair, and most importantly would not let us rest our wrist on the desk. You compare the typing instruction manuals from the 1920's (which is where my teacher adopted her style) with how people slouch in their chairs and type on laptops today and it's no wonder people have carpal tunnel syndrome.
 

fkl118

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I'm not a posture specialist but I think most often the problem begins with poor abdominal muscle strength/ tone. With poor abdominal tone, you get a sway-back (or excessive curvature of the lower back). As a result, your shoulders have to hunch over and your head has to hang down and forward. Otherwise, you'd literally be staring up at the ceiling. Ideally, your ears should be aligned right over your shoulders when viewing from the side. Look at people around you: most will carry their head in front of their shoulders. This leads to increased neck strain (remember your head weighs like 10 lbs), and makes you look like a dope. I consciously try to keep my abdominal muscles firm and my head and chin tucked back. Take a before and after picture from the side and you'll know what I mean. Just my thoughts.
 

LA Guy

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I was an altar boy, went to Catholic school, and then studied martial arts for a number of years. Bad posture wasn't an option. Build up core strength (do a tradition martial art with really grueling exercise drills (horse stance for one hour, move, and time goes to zero, go to a boxing gym or, if you are not into all that, do Pilates) and your posture will improve.
 

stache

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Yes Pilates or Alexander technique. Even yoga.
 

TimelessRider

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I bought this book to help with pain in my arm, and the exercises prescribed did wonders for my posture.
 

thetodd

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What is a posture alignment specialist? I'm really curious about this. I'm always self conscious of my posture as well.

Yoga and pilates are great for posture. Seriously. Don't buy into the trendiness of it or the whole "it's just stretching for chics" crap. I know guys that are so built from weights that their shoulders are falling forward from lack of attention to their core. Yoga is all about getting that mental and physical balance, so naturally you're body will look symetrical and your back as well as your front will be built evenly. For most, the main goal of yoga is mind/body awareness. Breathing exercises while standing more upright will also help.
 

benchan

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I know guys that are so built from weights that their shoulders are falling forward from lack of attention to their core

Ditch the machines and use free weight, it will strengthen your core simultaneously.
 

brooklyn

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I read this in Mens Health a few years ago. Stand with your back facing a flat wall. Press your heels, backside, shoulders, hands and head against the wall. Do this for about 30seconds a day and it may help out?
 

Debaser

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I bought this book to help with pain in my arm, and the exercises prescribed did wonders for my posture.
That's the method that I'm certified in. That's a good book.
 

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