Posted on November 05, 2012 by Jenny Cromack

Improving posture

Poor posture is a very common condition. Posture issues are generally caused by muscular imbalances, in which a muscle is either too tight or too weak. The problem with poor posture is the likelihood of receiving an injury, according to the ACA upto 85% of Americans experience back pain at some point, highlighting the importance of effective training.

 How to improve posture, the lifts:

 The deadlift: The deadlift works most of the muscles in the legs, lower back and core. It’s most commonly associated with building strength and power, but it is a great developer of spinal stability, and the lift itself promotes a neutral spine.

 Face pulls: Upper cross syndrome is usually referred to as a hunched back, caused by having very tight chest muscles and weak upper back muscles. To perform a face pull, stand in front of a cable machine with a rope handle attached to the pulley set at head height. This exercise is particually important if you spend a lot of time on a computer or sat at a desk.

 The Plank: Having weak core muscles can cause you to slump forward and develop poor posture. The plank is a very effective core exercise to improve and posture.

 Goblet Squats: Goblet squats strengthen the leg and core muscles. They also stretch the hip flexors, adductors and lumbar spine, which when tight can cause bad posture.

So include these lifts and improve your posture!