The most important muscles for posture are those in the stomach and back, as well as those in the chest. These include the external obliques, erector spinae, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis (TVA) and the internal obliques. Most of these groups are found in the abdomen, but the erector spinae is a collection of muscles found in the back, and they are some of the most important muscles for posture.
Many people do not realize the importance of the muscles for posture because some medical professionals generally discuss the spine when speaking of standing and sitting correctly. These muscles allow the spine to hold up the body, though, and proper posture is difficult or impossible if they are not kept strong and in good working order. There are a variety of exercises which can be done in order to strengthen and tone the muscles used in posture.
All of the abdominal muscles are used in good posture. There are several sets of muscles in this region,— going both horizontally and vertically. This combination of muscles is what holds up the spine and allows humans to stand and walk upright. To strengthen these important muscles for posture, one can pull the muscles inward while sitting or standing as well as do crunches, sit-ups, and other abdominal workouts. This has the added benefit of providing a flatter and more toned stomach when done daily.
The muscles in the back can also be strengthened by doing back extensions and push-ups. Learning the proper way to stand can also help improve muscle tone because it forces the muscles to work harder to hold the body up properly. Likewise, standing and sitting without using correct posture can lead to a weakening of these muscles.
It is important not to work the muscles too strenuously if one is not used to working out. Exercises should be done slowly and intensity can be increased as the body grows stronger. To learn proper posture, one can visit a chiropractor or look for visual aids or descriptions of how to stand up straight. Correct posture means that the spine is perfectly erect and the ears are aligned with the shoulders. Hunching over or holding the head out too far are common problems.
