It is well-known by now that good posture is an essential aspect of physical health and wellbeing. Not only does it help us maintain balance and stability but it also maintains proper alignment of our skeletal system, which can prevent injury, improve breathing and circulation, and even boost your confidence. Of course many, many muscles are involved in maintaining good posture, but you might be surprised to know that our biceps play a significant role in supporting the upper body and shoulders.
If you are not already familiar, the biceps are a large muscle group located in the front of the upper arm. They are primarily responsible for flexing the elbow joint and rotating the forearm. They also play a crucial role in supporting good posture. Here are some ways in which the biceps help to support your shoulders and maintain healthy posture:
Shoulder stability: The biceps muscle is connected to the scapula (your shoulder blade) via tendons, which helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. When the biceps are strong, they provide support to the shoulders, keeping them in their proper position, which prevents them from slouching forward. This helps to improve overall posture and reduce the risk of shoulder injuries.
Spine alignment: The biceps muscle also attaches to the upper back and spine, specifically the thoracic vertebrae. When the biceps are strong, they help to pull the spine into proper alignment, reducing the strain on the lower back and improving overall posture. This is especially important for people who sit at a desk for long periods or those who carry heavy loads on their shoulders, such as backpacks or briefcases.
Core stability: The biceps muscle is also connected to the core muscles, specifically the abdominal muscles. When the biceps are strong, they help to support the core muscles, which are essential for maintaining good posture. This is especially important for people who perform physical activities that require a lot of upper body strength, such as lifting weights or carrying heavy objects.
There are several exercises that can be performed to strengthen the biceps and improve posture including bicep curls, pull-ups, and chin-ups. These exercises not only target the biceps but also engage the shoulder and core muscles, which help to support good posture. It is essential to maintain proper form when performing these exercises to avoid injury and maximize the benefits so please feel free to reach out to the instructors at our studio for guidance or come to our Core + Sculpt class at Tuesdays at 10am