What sports/exercises are good for postures?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both I & DH have poor posture, and I am talking about standing & sitting posture. When I was in school way back, I never sat up properly. I attended all girls private middle & high school that do not stress much on any sports, so I didn’t do much exercise. I sometimes suffer neck, shoulder & back pain due to my lack of exercise, job ( work with computer all day), & poor posture habits. I do yoga these days to relieve some muscle stress.

I have 2 kids, and especially the oldest one has poor posture ( sitting & standing), especially slouching. On top of it, he has mild low muscle tone. I am tired of keep yelling or reminding them. For their better health & looking better, what are the sports or exercises that are good for kids to build or maintain good posture? I hear ballet & fencing are good for these, why? If kids do those sport or exercise on regular basis, will they have better posture effortlessly ( like natural born) because their body/muscle have memory /are used to it?

Ballet..

[Anonymous]

reformer pilates. You will learn to pull your shoulders back by pulling your lats down (instead of squeezing your shoulder blades together), but keeping your rib cage closed so you're not puffing your chest. This also engages your core.

[Anonymous]

I’ve done ballet since I was 5. I’m now 43 and still do ballet regularly. I’ve been told I have good posture. I think it becomes an unconscious habit. My teens dance as well as play outside a lot. My advice would be to stay active no matter what activities you choose.

[Anonymous]

Irish dance. It’s all about posture and body control.

[Anonymous]

Ballet, gymnastics, Irish Step.

Overall muscle tone too - so simply doing the core exercises could help immensely: push ups, pull ups, sit ups, planks, squats, walking lunges.

[Anonymous]

I did not know how to stand up straight until I started doing yoga. You also might look into the Alexander Technique.

[Anonymous]

Yoga. It strengthens the core. It teaches proper alignment. It creates good muscle memory. It increases flexibility. It teaches body awareness. A lot of my students aren't even aware they walk around with their shoulders under their ears, for example. And that posture does increase the likelihood of pain. Once people learn to really pay attention to the way they hold and move their bodies throughout the day, they can mindfully change their posture. We feel better when our body is properly aligned.

[Anonymous]

pilates, on the reformer or just the mat!

[Anonymous]

You’re using the word posture (which is aesthetic ) but I think what you’re really looking for is alignment (which is structural.) Pilates is great for helping find and reinforce the body’s natural alignment. Anyone in the nutritious movement circle would be a good contact too (primary teacher is Katy Bowman.)

Abby Corriveau Of Sustainable Movement https://www.sustainable-movement.com/# has a program specifically for children called “Little Explorers: movement for kids” she’s based in NH, and due to COVID not offering group classes. However, she is offering virtual sessions for both adults and children. In your position, I’d considered talking to her and seeing if sessions with your kids might be a good fit. So many people end up in these practices trying to undo years of learned coping mechanisms from being out of balance, causing muscle compensation, nerve pain, etc. it could be a huge gift to set your kids on a great path from the get-go. Good luck. I’d love to hear an update, if you’re so inclined to come back and update the thread down the road.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ballet, gymnastics, Irish Step.

Overall muscle tone too - so simply doing the core exercises could help immensely: push ups, pull ups, sit ups, planks, squats, walking lunges.

Sit ups are a no no. They're actually terrible for your back and do little for your core.

[Anonymous]

Cycling