A few years ago I had the traditional "computer guy" posture, with slumping shoulders and neck.
I began, for unrelated reasons, barbell strength training. Deadlifts, Squats, and Presses. They have had a dramatic effect on my posture.
I believe that by spending time lifting barbells, I gained better control over and awareness of my upper-back muscles, and that plus the improved muscle tone means I no longer slump the way I used to do.
I'm 29 now, and have never had repetitive strain problems. I believe I'm less likely to do so now than before I began strength training.
If you already have upper crossed syndrome or otherwise stretched out lats and tight pecs, deadlifting without paying attention to form will not only exacerbate this but also cause you lower back strain. Glad to hear you avoided this, but I would caution against anyone just picking up a barbell to cure posture. Focus deeply on the motion and drawing your shoulderblades back at all times especially on the lowering phase. It's far too easy to round on deadlifts when going heavy, and therein lies danger for those already inclined towards rounded shoulders.
Anyone who is interested at beginning strength training I'd encourage to pick up a copy of Mark Rippetoe's Starting Strength. It has very detailed instructions of all the important movements.
I began, for unrelated reasons, barbell strength training. Deadlifts, Squats, and Presses. They have had a dramatic effect on my posture.
I believe that by spending time lifting barbells, I gained better control over and awareness of my upper-back muscles, and that plus the improved muscle tone means I no longer slump the way I used to do.
I'm 29 now, and have never had repetitive strain problems. I believe I'm less likely to do so now than before I began strength training.
So, there's some anecdata.