Excercises for improving posture

[Leander]

I'm looking for a set of exercises that I can use to improve my posture (straighter back, wider shoulders, firmer midsection). Would squats help in this area or should I concentrate more on developing my ab and back muscles?

 

[audiophyle]

Deadlifts help strengthen then entire posterior chain from traps to hams.

 

[louden_swain]

shrugs and up right rows can help in this department.

 

[Lee]

errr... well to do that just work the muscle groups. build yer shoulders, build yer chest and back evenly, and strengthen yer back with deadlifts. a lot of posture comes from chest and back. and if they built really unevenly, then your posture will suck, ie your arms will be pulled forward or backward depending on the imbalance.

 

[louden_swain]

errr... well to do that just work the muscle groups. build yer shoulders, build yer chest and back evenly, and strengthen yer back with deadlifts. a lot of posture comes from chest and back. and if they built really unevenly, then your posture will suck, ie your arms will be pulled forward or backward depending on the imbalance.

Thats quite true!!

 

[bignate73]

focus on mid/lower traps to keep the shoulders back. stretch your neck flexors to avoid forward head syndrome. keep your hip flexors stretched and your lower back loose to keep your pelvis from tilting anteriorly. strong abs will maintain spinal stability.

 

[FatRat]

One thing I would add is that if you have existing posture problems, make sure you are very strict with your form, especially on exercises like Squats and Deads where maintaining a straight back is important for your safety.

 

[nevertoobig]

Try bent-back deadlifts as advised on this website: -

http://www.geocities.com/megagainer