Experts are touting a simple exercise that could be the answer to back pain woes for desk-bound workers. The age-old practice of hanging, harking back to our ancestors' days in the trees, is now being recommended as a way to combat the postural and mobility issues that come with a sedentary lifestyle. "A lot of people find that dead hangs where you simply hang on to something with straight arms, and let the rest of your body dangle help to increase their shoulder mobility and stability, which can help to prevent injuries," personal trainer Mike Julom told the Guardian.
Not only does this exercise improve shoulder flexibility, but it also strengthens key upper body muscles like the lats and traps, which are crucial for counteracting the negative effects of slouching at a desk. "They also strengthen your core muscles, as you'll use them to stabilise yourself as you hang," Julom added. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr John M Kirsch has even claimed to have "cured" several patients, including himself, of shoulder ailments through hanging, although he acknowledges that more research is needed to substantiate these claims, reports Wales Online .
Hanging exercises are not just good for your shoulders; they can also offer a gentle stretch that aids in spinal decompression, which is particularly beneficial after long hours hunched over a computer. Strength and conditioning expert Rachel MacPherson highlights that recent research indicates dead hangs can improve back flexibility, especially for .