Wicked Local   • KEEPING FIT: Exercises to protect shoulders
• Want to reduce the risk of injuring the upper back and
shoulders? Strengthen them. Here's how.     • email print
Let's begin with the round-shouldered position that so many of
us assume so much of each day as we sit at our desk or slouch on
our couch. Although not necessarily a true kyphotic condition,
this postural problem can lead to considerable discomfort in the
upper back area.     Some exercises can actually exacerbate this
condition by strengthening the protraction muscles of the chest
and stretching the retraction muscles of the upper back. This
can occur in trainees who emphasize upper body pushing exercises
such as pushups, bench presses and incline presses over upper
body pulling exercises such as pull-ups, pull-downs and seated
rows.     A simple preventive measure is to maintain proper
posture as much of the time as possible, especially when
sitting. Try to keep your head up, chest high and shoulders back
for an erect torso pos