What are some of the poses that help to strengthen the back? I have a tendency to slouch and i hope by strengthening my back muscles, I’ll be able to stand straight most of the time!
AnorexicSheeq
Try sitting cross-legged with straight back or dandasana for a few minutes and building up the time.
Hi, Sheeq. If you have solid form, up dog and plank will also give you an opportunity to move your shoulder blades together and down. You might find that you need to open your chest muscles as well as strengthen your back – interlace your fingers behind you or hold a strap in your two hands behind you, and straighten your arms.
As has been pointed out already, slouching can either be muscles in the upper back which are not activating OR muscles in the upper chest which are not releasing.
Additionally, finding the energy and lift in the kidneys contributes to what you term as “standing straight”.
Energetically, there are reasons the heart center moves toward the back body (posteriorly). But I think that is a conversation for another time.
Specifically responding to “what are back strengtheners” the two versions of Salabhasana - arms out (as shown) and hands clapsed - are considered back strengtheners as is Makarasana with the fingers laced behind the occiput.
gordon
Thanks all. Will start practicing on the poses right away.
Use Cobra pose it will give you lots of strength in your back.
yogamatpilate.com/2009/11/yoga-exercise-cobra-pose-bhujangasana.html
Try Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
yogamatpilate.com/2009/11/yoga-exercise-fish-pose-yoga-matsyasana.html
Crescent Moon pose yoga helps in strengthening back & Leg muscles.