Improving posture - what's the best: pilates, alexander technique/yoga...?

[curlyredhead]

Has anyone successfully gone from a round-backed, slumped-shoulder kind of posture to a permanent straight back, long neck, etc? What did you do to make the change?

I am about 5'8", quite overweight, big norks (particularly atm as bfing twins!). I want to look taller and feel stronger as well.

I'm not able to take classes atm, not enough reliable spare time, but in time I'd hope to go and join a class/ see an instructor. But maybe in the mean time I could watch a dvd or read a book?

that should be pilates, ealexander technique, yoga in the title, I know that AT and yoga aren't the same thing

pilates - great for posture (makes you stand up straight!), but isn't stressful - makes you concentrate on small muscle groups at a time. I have cronic shoulder/neck pain from stress and come away from my pilates session feeling so much better...

Thank you blackduck, I think I will need to give pilates a try. My mum raves about it too.

Thank you!

Video recommendation?

How about pilates on the ball (gymball that is)?
Helped me hugely, my instructor made a fantastic DVD but doesn't do the classes anymore unfortunately
The DVD might still be available though through her website (fithaven), but don't expect an easy ride- she works you REALLY hard!

I had alexander technique which was great and I totally recomend. I also do yoga as develops the core muscles that you need to keep going between alexander sessions. Pilates would do the same thing, but since I'd done yoga on and off before, I thought I'd stick to what I knew. Key thing is to keep doing whatever regularly - it wont be a case of a few weeks and its fixed forever.