When we think of elite swimmers, we probably think of Michael Phelps racking up gold medals on podium after podium. We think of general strength, especially in arms and legs and general body dynamics – we rarely think posture. But a study that looked at correcting posture in elite swimmers has found a key role for posture.

Better Posture – Better Strength

The study asked whether improving posture of elite swimmers on a college swim team would also increase their strength and help reduce shoulder pain. 28 varsity swimmers participated in the study, which made the athletes perform certain exercises for 8 weeks. (The exercises, by the way, which are very similar to the ones found in the Bladeflex Manual!) The athletes suffered from poor posture, either by having ‘front head’ posture or ’rounded shoulders’ posture – both very common posture deviations if you spend a significant amount of time sitting at a desk or in front of a screen. These posture issues are a result of weak back and/or shoulder muscles.

The exercises improved back and shoulder strength in the athletes, which in turn improved their posture and led to less pain.

From a Swimming Pool to Your Desk

Even thought the study focused on swimmers, the findings apply to everyone – from students to office managers. The message is clear – if you suffer from back, shoulder or neck pain, focus on strengthening your posture to ease the pain. Strengthening the back and reducing forward head and rounded shoulders with exercises similar to the one in the Bladeflex manual can help reduce shoulder pain. Coupling the exercises with a posture training system like Bladeflex improves how quickly and effectively you can correct your posture and strengthen your back muscles. Better posture and pain-free life is real – and it’s just a click away!