A version of this article was published on Shape, featuring Joey Thurman.
While it’s particularly important to strengthen your back muscles to keep your posture on point, focusing on your chest can also help you stay slouch-free. “The fly is great because it’s a nice chest opener and teaches scapular retraction,” says Joey Thurman, C.P.T., C.S.C.S., fitness and nutrition expert and author of 365 Health and Fitness Hacks That Could Save Your Life. ICYDK, scapular retraction basically means the ability to pinch the shoulder blades together — an action that’s super important for combating poor posture from sitting hunched over a desk or cell phone all day.
