[guamvixen]

Have any of you noticed a sudden "slouching" problem? Ever since I made it to goal, I find myself slouching over all the time. I'm afraid I'll end up like Quasimodo at this point. When I walk, or sit, or even go running, I'm always with the WORST posture!

It almost hurts to sit/stand up straight! Does anyone else experience this?

[MiZTaCCen]

I have bad posture period, I still haven't figured out how to fix it and continue to make myself sit up straight....

[Jen516]

I HAVE found myself slouching more when I'm sitting... I'm especially prone to crossing my arms in front and hunching over. I didn't really do this often before... I think it's a combo of not really wanting people to look at me and examine my weight loss and also I actually CAN comfortably cross my arms now that my body is smaller.

[georgeshair]

Yes, I keep slouching and/or folding my arms. I wonder if it's partly a confidence thing - needing something to hide behind?

[saef]

No. Because I can hear two different Pilates' instructors voices in my head now, like a little MP3, correcting my form: "Shoulders down & back. Tuck in your tailbone. Pull in your belly button."

[Crystalx5]

Yes, it has become terrible- and I swear, when i try standing up straight, it makes it harder to breathe!

[sept15lija]

Could this have to do with your new babe? I find I started slouching more when I had my babies...because I was always hunched over nursing, or holding and rocking...etc etc. It's something I'm really working on now though to correct!

[fitness4life]

Hmmmm. I wonder if your exercise includes more ab strengthening than back muscle strengthening.

When you strengthen a muscle, in it's rested state, it will be more contracted then before (thus the term, "tight" often used describing muscular peeps). This is why it is so important to balance exercises in strength training. So if your abs are tighter than your back, your posture will be pulled forward by your abs.

[Shannon in ATL]

I have found myself doing it more in the last year, too. Though I've wondered lately if I just notice it more now?

[ICUwishing]

Chronic problem! I never even knew the extent of it until last night, when I saw some pictures - for me, that slouching creates a belly pooch and saggy-looking boobs! 10 pounds, instantly. Mine started back in high school with heavy competitive swim training - my chest/pecs were so strong they overpowered my back. It manifested as collarbones that stuck so far out, I could have carried my lunch on them. Reread 10 times a day what Saef's Pilates instructor says! It WILL be uncomfortable while your muscles re-learn, but the payoff - there are no downsides!