So I have really bad posture. From hours of computer use my upper body is really slumped forward. I’m like a troll. My lower body seems really tight as well, my pelvis tilts forward a lot when I stand like I’m humping the air or something!
Anyway, I have problems breathing and was wondering what I can do about this.
If pictures would help I could post some to see my flexibility.
Suzuki,
For a specific answer, one custom made or tailored to you, I would need to see you in person, see your practice, etcetera.
A general answer is that a combination of backbends and breath work (pranayama) of the right sort, done in the right way, with the proper foundations, can be very helpful for a person with the physiological issues you outline.
Obviously continuing the life choices that have led to such a thing makes it a larger mountain to scale. In other words, someone continuing to slump over a keyboard for 50 hours a week is actually adding to the problem while the back bending and breath work is trying to counter it. It is better than no counter at all. But I encourage students to consider lifestyle and emotional shifts that might help them along too.
Dear Suzuki,
I agree with IA here about seeing you. I want to make a few practical suggestions you might consider as I myself spend many hours in front of my computer as a graphic designer:
You don’t mention anything about your current yoga practice, but have you talked to your teacher about this? Any suggestions from him/her?
ive never been to a class but am thinking about going to one at my rock climbing gym. All my yoga stuff has come from a rodney yee dvd.
I had some acupuncture for a little bit, and during one of the sessions it really helped my breathing. I forgot what breathing was suppose to be like! I was practically laughing as I left because I felt so good.
Unfortunately it only helped that one time and not the other times.
Inner Athletes advice was excellent. Fortunately practicing deep breathing can be done anytime anywhere. Don’t think about any type of technique,just bring awareness to your breath. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Just spend a minute or two listening to it and seeing if you can make it deeper or longer without being attached to the results.
There are simple things to help with your posture. When you work on the computer, sit on the edge of your chair with both feet planted flat on the ground. Roll the shoulders down the spine whenever you can think of it. Also when you walk, try to stand tall.
When you have the opportunity to practice with a good yoga teacher, talk to them about your issues and see if they can design a simple program with back bends and pranayama that you can do at home.
[QUOTE=Pandara;24285]2. Have you considered swopping your normal chair for a posture chair (those one you kneel into instead of sitting in them)?
3. I hook my hands together behind my back and then pull my shoulders back combined with deep breaths at least every 20 minutes or so. It opens the chest, assist your posture and relief tension in the shoulders.[/QUOTE]
Definitely.
(love the new Avatar, Pandara :-D)
thankz for shraing this information even i need to work on it…
Strengthening the muscles that contribute to good posture is important. You may also want to consider weight training or pull-ups to strengthen the upper back.