How to Correct Bad Posture

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Bad posture is common in modern society. The sedate lifestyle we live combined with the poor ergonomics of sitting in front of the computer, has an impact on the muscles and structure of the human body. The most common posture problem is called Upper Cross Syndrome. This is where the chest muscles are strong and inflexible, while the upper back muscles are weak and flexible.

This creates an imbalance where the chest muscle pulls the shoulders forward and the head juts forward. The result is slumped shoulders, a head that moves forwards and a belly that sticks out.

So, how can you correct this poor posture form?

The first is to know what causes it. The main culprit is working in front of the computer. Hours a day sitting front of the computer forces your hands to be out in front of you as you sit. This causes the chest muscles to tighten while the back muscles are stretched. Combined this with pure laziness where be tend to slouch in chairs, and you have a recipe for poor posture to continue long after you have left the computer behind.

The second culprit it poor strength training technique. Most men when they are lifting weights focus on the arms and chest, and do very little work with the back and shoulders. This reinforces the imbalance between the back and chest muscles, and can actually cause your posture to look even worse.

Here are some tips to correct this type of poor posture:

- Maintain proper posture while at the computer. At first this will be hard but with practice you will be able to do it for most of the day. Sit upright and hold your shoulders back AND down. After a week or so you will find that it is easy to maintain this position as the muscles in the back naturally become stronger. As you learnt to do this, make sure you get up and take breaks. The more tired you become the harder it will be to maintain the correct posture.

- Use a posture corrective brace. This will help to remind you to keep your shoulders back during the day and to maintain the right posture.

- Use a back support cushion. This will help you stay upright as you sit in front of the computer.

- Workout your back. This means doing exercises like chin ups, pull ups, squats, deadlifts and rows. They will developed the muscles in your back and help correct the problems. Don't forget to also stretch your pectorals to help correct the imbalance.