Improving posture - correcting straps

[moustachebandit]

Been having issues with my shoulder and years of desk work have knackered my posture. As a result I tend to slouch when at my desk which has intern led to the pain in my shoulder.

Has anyone has any experience of posture correcting straps? Just thinking that using one over the space of a few months might help straighten my posture - but unsure on whether they are any good?

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers

[Rotary Madness]

I sit on one of those exercise balls, forces you to sit upright and also the slight movement gets your core working.

[dodgydave]

I had exactly the same problems with my shoulders, and I left it and left it, until it got so bad that I couldn't put a jacket on without wincing with pain. Ended up spending £400 on physio to get them to stop rolling forwards. I hadn't seen that strap before, but I would definitely give it a try, because It's probably cheaper than the alternatives.

[Hoofy]

In theory, doing back exercises eg rows helps because it tightens the back muscles.



I've always been a bit lazy with the upper back and could improve my posture - spending a lot of time at a computer is probably the cause.

However, I wonder how relevant having strong back muscles are and just how strong they need to be. For a start, as a climber I should have an imbalance of weak chest muscles compared to my back meaning my posture should be the other way round. Additionally, I can do barbell bent over rows with 80kg. So I'm stumped as to how strong you have to be to avoid poor posture. (Bear in mind, most people can't do BB BORs with 20kg, yet most people don't go around with poor posture.)

Edited by Hoofy on Monday 10th March 00:01

[Tim16V]

Although this doesn't answer your question I have largely corrected my very poor posture through daily press ups and sit ups (building up over time). I don't exactly know how this has worked though.

[AngryPartsBloke]

Don't use them, use this.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-improve-thor...

[jackh707]

Rowing machine. Sorted

[Planet Claire]

I was exactly the same position a couple of years ago and purchased a should support, in fact like this one.

You can't really wear it under your clothes because the straps are too coarse against your skin, in particular under the arm pits. I did find it helped me sit better but as you get used to it you find yourself slumping again. I don't wear it now, although I do have it with me at work, and possibly I could do with wearing it again, but I try to be more self conscious about how I'm sitting.

I will have a look at that site that was posted up.

[Bill]

Hoofy said:

However, I wonder how relevant hg strong back muscles are and just how strong they need to be. For a start, as a climber I should have an imbalance of weak chest muscles compared to my back meaning my posture should be the other way round. Additionally, I can do barbell bent over rows with 80kg. So I'm stumped as to how strong you have to be to avoid poor posture. (Bear in mind, most people can't do BB BORs with 20kg, yet most people don't go around with poor posture.)

A lot of the power pulling up comes from your pecs and lat dorsi which both attach at the front of your shoulders and pull you forwards and down.

OP set your posture up from your pelvis. Ie tilt the seat base so your knees are slightly lower than your hips and support your low back. Then raise your screen to eye level and get in close to your desk so you're not reaching forward, which encourages you to slump.

Then work on stretching your chest and strengthening your back.