Less lower back more upper back.

If you put more effort into using your upper and middle back, you will feel much less lower back stress during exercise.

My opinion…it is much easier to tuck/pull-in/lift/activate/ abdominal muscles if you use more upper back which involves squeezing between your shoulder blades, thereby contracting your trapezius and rhomboids.

Here are three different things to know:

1) Totally relax, crossing your hands in front and do not flex your abs at all. Roll shoulders forward. This is the posture most of us are doing all day long. Unfortunately this is a bad habit and lead to poor posture.

2) Instead, pull your shoulders back with your abs lifted. Shorten the distance between your shoulder blades. Compare the picture below with the picture above. This should be your normal posture all day long. Lower back is light, chest is open and it is easier to breathe. With practice this, this become natural and feels good.

3) Maximize strength conditioning during exercise, for example try an upright rowing movement, bicep curls, triceps extension, shoulder press and chest press.

It is important to strengthen these muscles as they support your neck, head, shoulders and open and lift the front of your body.

Conclusion: Avoid the relaxed and rolled shoulders that lead to poor posture; practice pulling your shoulders back and lifting your abs and keep this position all day long; maximize strength conditioning when exercising; and exercise often.

腰痛、腰への負担を避けるために、背中の上部を上手く使いわけましょう。

写真１）腹筋使わず、手は体の前で組み、肩は前へ丸まった完全なリラックス状態。

大勢の方はこの姿勢で一日を過ごしてるかと思いますが、これでは正しい姿勢を保つのがとても難しいです。

写真２）肩を後ろへ回し（耳と同じ線）腹筋に少し力を入れます。肩甲骨の間の距離が写真１より縮みす。これが私の普段の姿勢です。腰は軽く、胸が開き呼吸も楽になりとても気持ちがいいです。

写真３）背中上部にある筋肉をかなぁーり引き締めてます。これらの筋肉は首、頭、肩、体の　正面などを支えるのにとても重要な筋肉です。

腹筋を締める事より、肩甲骨を締める事を今日から心がけましょう。肩甲骨を締めると自然と腹筋もくっつてきますよぉ〜。