Trying to progress through a fitness program with muscular imbalances and incorrect posture will only reinforce your pre-existing dysfunctions. Instead of doing this, try a pre-workout movement menu.

The focus of a pre-workout menu is to straighten your body first, then strengthen the properly recruited musculature. Correcting the underlying dysfunctions first gives you a stable foundation upon which you can build.

Do the four exercises featured in this video immediately prior to working out:

1. Standing windmill - Promotes extension throughout the entire spine, strengthen proper shoulder positioning, and promotes balance and equal weight distribution.
2. Kneeling ankle squeezes - Activates the glutes.
3. Sitting knee pillow squeezes - Activates the adductor muscle group and stabilizes the pelvic. Encourages pelvic and lumbar extension.
4. Airbench - Sets your hips in neutral.

Further Reading:

• 3 Exercises to Reverse the Effects of Poor Posture
• How to Unlock Your Athletic Potential Through Good Posture
• New on Breaking Muscle Today