Does this focus only on the shoulders or does it help you keep your middle and lower back straight?
1308639
Mostly the shoulders. I actually didn't like it because it rubbed under my arms and bothered me more than helped me. :/
1308640
I would say it mainly focuses on keeping your shoulders back. However, because it doesn't allow you to slouch easily, it helps with good back posture altogether.
2013476
Yes, but gradually. I find it makes you more aware of the way you hold your shoulders and neck, and I wear it several hours each day just like I was doing any other exercise.
459017
Yes, greatly. Back and shoulders also. Been working out for many years and find it an excellent way to work out upper body !
231890
Yes, it definitely pulls your shoulders back. It's not the most comfortable thing ever, but it's not bad. I would recommend using it as a training aid to learn to keep your shoulders back, rather than a corrective device that you wear all the time.
1356829
It strengthens your abs and back when raising your knees to waist level and lowering. It has greatly improved my lower back issues. Your whole core benefits.
1259323
Yes it does for the regular back, and yes there is bulging caused by it. Not enough to bother me though
34146
I am 5'4" and I am using this machine to work my shoulders, core and lower back. I find that by adjusting my legs i.e. push with legs and knees (shoulders, back), straight legged (core, shoulders, back), and alternate weight on each leg (core, back) that I am getting the desired results I wanted. By focusing on which muscles I want to work on, I find my body works on them accordingly. Hope this helps you. I really love this machine. I crave my sessions on it as opposed to dreading that 'work-out'. Very relaxing and you can work as hard or soft as you like.
766077
No. It tells you how to adjust the pressure from 1 lb to 7 lbs, but does not tell you how to apply it. I'm a massage therapist and use it to release trigger points in muscles. In that case, it's just point and shoot. Training is needed for using it as the Chiropractors do but I recommend everyone that can to get one. Even my children use it to treat their shoulders after their heavy back packs.
496269
It can be set to completely upright or to lean back. I prefer the straight backed chair, so I have it completely upright. There is lumbar support, which I need for my lower back and it is ideal.
2206711
It really works best to wrap around the back. As others mentioned, you can wrap around neck and shoulders but you would have to sit down because it will move around.
154843
This did not do much for my shoulders. Relieved my neck a bit but not enough so I returned mine. Since everyone is different and Amazon has free returns, you might want to try it.
380418
Yes, that is why I bought it. I like to have the back raised when I exercise my shoulders, arms. This somewhat duplicates one of the machines at the therapist I went to.
346630
I use it in the small part of my back in my easy chair mostly. When I first ordered it I thought it was for exercising but it is not for exercising of the low back area. I have scoliosis.
485518
It's supports the curvature, therby taking pressure off. I don't know if helps it align to bones. I use in conjunction with chiropractic & exercise to maintain.
1989755
I wore it consistently all summer long and my natural posture had improved in 3 months. This product is great for REMINDING you to keep your shoulders back. It holds tension but doesn't force you into proper posture.
2213932
Well, it forces you into better posture by pulling your shoulder blades together, so in that sense it does not allow you full movement, I use it at the computer and it's fine in allowing all the movements, the harness just simply resists your slouching. And you can put it on (and take it off) without assistance - like you would put on a t-shirt from "above" you head.
907469
it stabilizes the whole shoulder including the muscles. I've had trouble with rotator cuff and this product has enabled me to continue pitching and 49 years old