Fixing Bad Posture

[RockabillyVegan]

Anyone know how to fix bad posture? I always slump my shoulder forward and it's driving me nuts.

I know I need to hold my shoulders back, but I can't hold the position. I don't feel pain or anything, but I feel uncomfortable.

I've been practicing yoga for about 8 months now, thinking that might help, but it hasn't.

Does anyone have any tips??

[Skylark]

Anyone know how to fix bad posture? I always slump my shoulder forward and it's driving me nuts.

I know I need to hold my shoulders back, but I can't hold the position. I don't feel pain or anything, but I feel uncomfortable.

I've been practicing yoga for about 8 months now, thinking that might help, but it hasn't.

Does anyone have any tips??

Ballet training.

[RockabillyVegan]

ha! I'm not that graceful!

[Skylark]

Who said anything about being graceful? One of my best friends has absolutely perfect posture (to the point of looking a little like a toy soldier) because her mom got her into ballet lessons very early on. She's not a very good dancer, but no one can pick on her posture.

[RockabillyVegan]

hmmm, that probably could work, but I don't think it is realistic for me! I don't have the funds for something like that.

[Earthling]

hmmm, that probably could work, but I don't think it is realistic for me! I don't have the funds for something like that.

Same here. I have terrible posture and I'd also love to know how I can fix it. Like yourself I've tried to sit up really straight whenever possible and it's not painful but not comfortable, and I have to really concentrate on it or else I slump forward. I think bad posture contributes a lot to my constant back and neck pain but I don't know how to correct it!

[greensgood]

I've been practicing yoga for about 8 months now, thinking that might help, but it hasn't.


have you been doing yoga in a class with an instructor or on your own?

correcting posture is very important, especially for young ladies like us. im a massage therapist and work with elderly clients often, years of postural mis-alignment can cause major problems down the road. it is easier to fix posture early on and maintain a healthy spine.

if you have the resources, physical therapy is the best way to correct posture.
here is some info about things we can do everyday:
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/guidelines-improve-posture
http://www.bhg.com/health-family/fitness/workouts-programs/exercises-to-improve-your-posture/

[bronzebed]

the more you practice it the easier it will become. i found weightlifting to be helpful too.

[RockabillyVegan]

have you been doing yoga in a class with an instructor or on your own?

correcting posture is very important, especially for young ladies like us. im a massage therapist and work with elderly clients often, years of postural mis-alignment can cause major problems down the road. it is easier to fix posture early on and maintain a healthy spine.

if you have the resources, physical therapy is the best way to correct posture.
here is some info about things we can do everyday:
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/guidelines-improve-posture
http://www.bhg.com/health-family/fitness/workouts-programs/exercises-to-improve-your-posture/

thanks!! that was really helpful!

[veganbabe]

As a massage therpist, I suggest that you get massages at least once a month to every six weeks. I know that it adds up $$$, (check out if there are local massage schools in your area they usually give out discounted massages for the public.) Massage is good for posture improvement, and for everyone to remain healthy, free of injury, and just feeling good mentally. I don't know if you see a chiropractor, but combined with massage you will truly get the help you need. Good for you for being so aware, and willing to do something about it.

[BWright]

I practice yoga, sware by it. It has improved my posture. I took a picture of me a year ago and was surprised at how bad my posture was and then took a pictuer six months later and was amazed at the change.

I'm sorry yoga hasn't work for you. But I recommend taking a picture - it will help to see how you have improved.

The other thing I do is consiously tell myself to roll my shoulders back and down - it is a mental reminder to stay in alignment.

[innermusic]

the more you practice it the easier it will become.
This might sound too simple, but it's true. You have to break a lifelong habit. I broke mine with years of regular hatha yoga. Now I actually find it uncomfortable to slouch; I always have my spine straight whether sitting or standing. It just became the natural comfortable way. And yes, it helps to build the back muscles necessary to support the spine.

[RockabillyVegan]

thanks everybody....I have been trying to remind myself to keep my shoulders back, I think things have been improving, but I still have a bit farther to go

[JessEpiphany]

As a massage therpist, I suggest that you get massages at least once a month to every six weeks. I know that it adds up $$$, (check out if there are local massage schools in your area they usually give out discounted massages for the public.) Massage is good for posture improvement, and for everyone to remain healthy, free of injury, and just feeling good mentally. I don't know if you see a chiropractor, but combined with massage you will truly get the help you need. Good for you for being so aware, and willing to do something about it.

That's what my massage therapist said! lol
She gave me some really good tips on correcting my posture as well. I'm still working on it. The worst thing, for me, is being at the computer. I just slouch over my desk. Ack.

[jAded]

You might need to strengthen your core and rhomboids and other back muscles if it's uncomfortable. Though if you have tight muscles that would definitely contribute to a slouch.

Otherwise I think you just have to make a concerted effort to keep your back straight, and place your weight evenly on both feet when standing (I find that helps, anyway).

[S.O.U.L]

Others have already touched on it Yoga, and weight training would both be beneficial, specially done together.
Also the spine is the main structure of the body, where do you percieve you don't have structure in your life, or where did you loose structure in your life, the shoulders are also ment to carry our joys in life not our burdens, these are another couple of possible things to consider looking at, hope this helps.

[zander]

Hire a personal assistant to walk behind you all day and poke you in your back between your shoulder blades every five minutes. That's what my mom did to me when I was little and it worked! LOL :D

As others have mentioned, reminding yourself should be enough and should come effortlessly after a while. Good luck!