Do pectus improvement exercises really work?
In a nutshell, YES! But only if you go about doing them correctly. There are two main key principles to think about when doing exercises to improve pectus (excavatum).
First one is to improve posture (if needed), and the second one is to open up and expand the ribcage. Also the key work here is “improvement” not perfect correction.
Another key phrase to think about is “delayed instant gratification.” When doing any kind of exercise on the body be it to build muscle, to improve strength, to improve speed and so on, the body needs a certain amount of time to adapt the stimulus placed on it.
We now live in a society were we want instant everything! Well that might work with instant coffee and microwave foods but not when it comes to changing and improving body shape.
For example, research has shown it takes at least four weeks for a hypertrophy (muscle building) response to take place in the body when beginning a bodybuilding training programme. And remember this will only happens when there has been regular “good” stress placed on the body. In other words training at least three to four times a week!
Also keep in mind, ligaments can take up to five times the amount of time to repair and adapt from an injury (or exercise) than muscle does.
Why am I saying this?
Because ligaments are made from collagen and so is cartilage (all though a different type of collagen). It is cartilage that connects the sternum (breast bone) to the ribs.
Think about it, if it takes a minimum of four weeks to see a (small) muscle building response in the muscles and it takes five times that amount to see changes in ligaments and cartilage, you are looking at about 20 weeks (5 months) to see any type of change in the ribcage from doing pectus improvement exercises – consistently!
If you go to our pectus improve blog post page, there are a few articles and videos on here that will help you to get going RIGHT NOW! But it does take time to see some changes and you MUST WANT IT!
If you feel you need more help, then check out the e-book Pectus Free Without Surgery.
As I say in the book, “Before you start reading through this book, I would like to point out the title of this book is not literate. I chose the title “Pectus Free without Surgery” as it’s a catchy title. The pectus free part of the title is dependant from person to person. But you can improve the look of your chest by following the exercises in this book, to what degree you chest improves; only time will tell, plus among other factors that will be explained to you later on. I know because I have improved my chest, posture and my body shape in general with these exercises. My chest is still not perfectly flat, and I still have a slight sideways curve in my lower spine, but I have improved both to such a degree that I am happy and comfortable with the way my chest and body looks, but I always open to improvement as anyone should be. This book is a useful tool for pectus excavatum improvement with or without surgery and / or bracing support.
The most important thing you can do is learn to love yourself, work hard and always try to better yourself in all areas of life, be it physically, mentally, or intellectually.”
Best of luck!
Joe
More From Joe Dimon
- Do I really need supplements?
- 5 top ways the recover from the London Marathon
- Most, if not all exercises, foods, therapies and supplements have their place
Joe Dimon Recommends
- So What’s The Scoop With The Warrior Forum. (Chad Nicely)
- Blog Marketing – Brings in The Checks All The Time (Chad Nicely)
