Rounded shoulders/hunched over

[Gills224]

For some reason when I stand naturally, my shoulders tend to round over, and I looked hunched over. I've been told to do stretches to help pull my shoulders back. This problem, from what I hear, is most common with bench jockeys, but my training isn't the issue.

Also, my genetics in this area are horrible. No matter what I do I can't seem to put any weight on in my upper chest area, where my colar bones are. This contributes to the rounded shoulder look, and makes my lower neck/upper chest look skinny. My colar bones are almost as visible as they were when I weighed 140lbs, and I've put on 50lbs since then(5'11).

[PastorofMuppets]

Try cutting back on chest a bit and doing hard chest/shoulder stretches or exercises that have a stretch component like flys only.

And do prioritize direct upper back/rotator cuff/rear delt exercises for a while.

[BodyWizard]

Postural distortions like the one you describe are generally (almost always) the result of poor posture/body mechanics persisting over a long period of time. The predominant factor is generally the head, which is commonly thrust forward to read, write, and/or type. Trouble comes from the fact that the head weighs as much as a bowling ball, and if it's not balanced on the neck, the entire body gets twisted up in an effort to keep things functioning. The rounded shoulders are the body's accommodation over time to the strain of counteracting the forward-and-down pull exerted by the forward-thrusting head.

The classic military posture of stomach in / chin up / shoulders back helps retrain the musculature. Nothing like "stretches" will correct it (after all, what is it you're stretching?) - how you hold & carry yourself - and the form you use when working out - will have much greater effect.

Concentrate on strengthening your back (quadratus, latissimus, and the erectors, primarily, but don't be *too* exclusive): once your back is strong enough to hold your body in proper posture, you may well find it easier to pack some onto your front.



* - no, I'm NOT Bobo....

[Lean One]

Stretch chest, Prioritize upper back/rear delt /trap exercises.

For your chest, focus in incline movements only for a while.

[Gills224]

Thanks guys, very imformative

[Guest]

Row and row some more and pay close attention to your posture during the day. Bobo may agree but when I personal trained, I had to teach each and every client proper shoulder retraction..without proper retraction your not maximally(if thats a word) contracting the back.

On the start of every back movement pull your shoulder back and down as if you where trying to pinch a pencil between your spine then procedd with the movement. I took my back to New heights by learing proper contraction of the back and retraction of the shoulders...hope it made sence:}

Then you start contracting back muscles you thought never excisted...such a great feeling.

OH did I mention you need cissus to learn proper contraction....haha only kidding guys as I have a couple touchy members that I like to pry at...

take care

ceosm

[Lean One]

I'd also add that that's a good thing to do with nearly every upper body exercise. Be it chest, back, shoulers; whatever.

[Guest]

I'd also add that that's a good thing to do with nearly every upper body exercise. Be it chest, back, shoulers; whatever.

Lean one great addition!!

Even with biceps totally eliminates the shoulders...less poundage but your directly target a muscle not an ancillary muscle.

you must retract with that heavy squat bar on the back and even with deadlifts....

ceosm

[Niko]

I just want to add that you should also look to stretch your hams and glutes while adding some direct lower back work that stresses endurance. Things like 45 degree hyper extension holds for time, or waiter's bows held for time. In terms of posture, think pulling your body under your head as opposed to your head over your body. It's a subtle difference but seems to have a more natural feel.

[bullydog]

I had a similar problem when I was in high school (football coach had messed up program with bench 3x a week and no back exercises). People used to make fun of me for it so one day I decided I was going to change it by continually keeping my shoulders in a proper position. Basically I just roll my shoulders back and down like described above, puffing my chest out in a sense. Since I've been doing this the ape look has gone away and I've actually fixed my problem shoulders. They used to seriously pop out 3-4 times a week but since I've kept my shoulders back I've only popped it out 2 times in the past year (both playing rugby).

[ItriedtoripoffBobosonowIamgonehaveaniceday]

RUGBY kicks so much ass, I really miss it!

[bullydog]

RUGBY kicks so much ass, I really miss it!

ya, we're in the offseason right now (read: massive running workouts) so I really can't say I think it kicks ass now, or that I miss it, but I'm sure when my years are up I'll miss it to death......... even the running.

[bioman]

Good info guys. I have pretty much the same problem but with a loss of curve in the upper spine which thrusts the neck and head forward.

[Gills224]

Good info guys. I have pretty much the same problem but with a loss of curve in the upper spine which thrusts the neck and head forward.

I think I might have a similar problem. I wonder if it's possible to overcome this.

[bioman]

It is but it takes a lot of money in chiropracty, yoga, Rolfing/ART and strict lifting form. Mine's gotten a little better but I don't have the dough to throw at it.

[Frank Reynolds]

Good info guys. I have pretty much the same problem but with a loss of curve in the upper spine which thrusts the neck and head forward.

I just went to the chiropractor the other day and he took some xrays and told me i basically had that, i told him i sleep on my stomach and he said not to do that.. Told me it isnt that big of a deal now, but in 20-30 years it could be a problem.. Gotta start sleeping on my back or side..

[Syr]

I just went to the chiropractor the other day and he took some xrays and told me i basically had that, i told him i sleep on my stomach and he said not to do that.. Told me it isnt that big of a deal now, but in 20-30 years it could be a problem.. Gotta start sleeping on my back or side..

Side sleep is the best, bro!

[Frank Reynolds]

Side sleep is the best, bro!

I know it is just so hard to get used to sleeping either on my back or side, after 22 years of sleeping on my stomach.haha

[mibu852]

Rounded shoulders usually means TIGHT chest muscles as well.
It's important to stretch these chest muscles as well.

Try getting on a swiss ball and grab a couple of 8-12 lbs dumbells.
Lay on the ball and then hold the d.bells across your body (making sure that your hands are parallel to the floor).
Let the weight of the dumbells drag your arms to the floor as much as they can.
Now, move your hands to the top of your head and then down near your legs with a slight bend on the elbows.
(Make sure to not add extra resistance, causing you to lift the db off the floor- you want the weight to drag your arms to the floor).

Try that for a couple of reps before doing any exercises.
It will ensure to lossen some of those chest muscles that are tight, because of poor posture.

[VanillaGorilla]

http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle....ticle=314nean2

http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle....ticle=315nean2

http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle....4-004-training

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do...ydra?id=472224

Sorry to post t-mag articles but they pertain to the subject.