AboutJohn Izzo Expertise I can help answer any questions related to muscle development, muscle activation, fat loss, core strength, balance, spinal stability, warm-up, and proper exercise progression and execution. Most answers can be found on my website: www.standAPARTfitness.com
Please do not ask for a specific workout plan. In this field, I need to SEE you and evaluate your current physical capabilities. Answering such questions without assessing your needs and goals through a consultation would be irresponsible of me. Please be clear and concise in your questions. The more info you can give me, the more specific info I can provide.
Experience John is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Endurance Sports Trainer Association (NESTA), and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA). He has helped countless clients lose fat, build muscle, and improve their performance through his exercise programming and potent motivational techniques. Most of all, John continues to further his knowledge by staying abreast on fitness trends and research by attending continuing education seminars and interacting with some of the brightest minds in the business.
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Expert: John Izzo Date: 5/28/2008 Subject: poor posture and muscle tightness
Question Hello there
Ever since I was a child ive had a very poor posture: rounded upper spine and forward shoulders. From about the age of 13 i made an effort to try and straighten my posture but this caused me back, neck and leg stiffness.
I'm now 17 and practically all my muscles are tight (neck, back,triceps, biceps hamstrings, shins,pelvis, calves etc!!)and my posture still remains poor and the only way i can stand or sit tall is to force myself to stand upright whixh is uncomfertable. A sports coach told me I have very poor core stability which is the cause of my problems.
What is the best way to deal with my problems? Physiotherapy, massage, pilates?? Your help would be much appreciated, Im only 17 and feel like an old man!!!
Many thanks, mark
Answer I understand what you are experiencing. Your coach is semi-correct. Although, I recommend you start doing some core work, I STRONGLY suggest you begin a soft tissue program to help your poor posture. In some areas (especially where you noted) you may have developed adhesions on the surface of the muscle that causes it to "tighten". Regular massages from a licensed therapist can help relieve that, but that will cost money. An easier way to deal with this is performing "self-massage" with some tools. You can use a Massage Stick (found here: http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx?ID=4404&CategoryID=363&img=247&kbid=126...)
and a foam roller (found here: http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx?ID=4918&CategoryID=235&img=230&kbid=126...)
If you work on improving the quality of teh muscle tissue, you will find your posture will begin to improve. Once you see soem improvement, you can begin some core exercises like planks, hip bridges, and side planks. Keep me updated!
