Programming to shorten muscles

[djc]

Apologies if this is covered in PP or SS, I've read through both and didn't see the answer, but it might just be reading failure on my part.

Short story, I want to shorten my Abs, to try to help with a horrible anterior pelvic tilt. My beltline drops down at about a 25 degree angle from the horizontal back to front.

Longer story, I've lost 100+ pounds and about a foot and a third circumference around my belly, and I think my Abs could use a little tightening now that they don't have a half foot or so of goo behind them stretching them out. In general, I'm not sure whether to do low rep or high rep ab accessory work after I finish with my main lifts and how often. I don't really care about appearance or strength per anything, I just want better alignment and posture, and was wondering about intensity, frequency, and volume.

[stef]

There is no program for this, other than the one prescribed by mothers back in the day (and apparently missing from the education of most of the last 2 batches of American children) -- hold your stomach in, stand up straight.

[dkggpeters]

Doesn't strengthening the hamstrings and glutes help as well? You should hit the whole core, abdominals, hamstrings, glutes, erectors, and hip flexors. Squats and deadlifts will hit all these areas.

[stef]

This is not a matter of strength. It is a matter of getting out of sloppy habits.

[dkggpeters]

Stef, Care to share on what sloppy habits to get rid of? This may help the OP a lot.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Standing with your belly loose, slouching, and assuming a posture that takes little work to maintain. Abs contract with weight loss since they are quite adaptable tissue. But a former fat guy will have to learn a different approach to standing, sitting, etc., and since he's already demonstrated the ability to take a different approach to his diet, this will not be an insurmountable task.

[tertius]

I have to say that some of this stuff seems like it will take care of itself as the OP, at least from my experience.

I haven't made a conscious effort to have better posture, but even the meager strength and mass gains I've made have made a big difference in how I carry myself when sitting and standing. So squat, deadlift, press, and so forth, while you're thinking about these things, and the changes you want to happen will almost certainly happen.

[stef]

Stef, Care to share on what sloppy habits to get rid of?

The not standing up straight and not holding the stomach in habits.

Did you skip post #2?

[Titanium]

Additionally, stretch the hip flexors.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Why?