can you expand your ribcage?

[keepingitreal]

I'm trying to increase my chest measurements (like almost everyone it seems!) but i'm not blessed with a naturally big bone structure. In fact, I have a very small frame. So, even if i trained my pecs so they were enormous the naturally small size of my rib cage would minimise the effect. I have read however that it's possible to increase the size of your rib cage with the right stretches and exercises. Can someone confirm there's some truth to this? Or is it wishful thinking?!! And if so, what should i be doing to expand the natural size of my chest

[Tatted_up]

drink milk...nah, im really not sure that its possible for you to actually change your bone structure...if your lacking in certain areas then try to stack the muscle atop it.

[BRIT_BEEF]

It is believed by some that 20 rep breathing squats supersetted with dumbell pullovers can enlarge the ribcage, but it is doubtful if this is true.
When I started training I also had a very small build and I did the above routine for a while in the hope that it would work. The squats helped me gain some good mass, but my rib cage didn't change.

Don't despair though mate, you will be amazed at the difference a couple of years training can make. Your chest measurement also takes into account your back development too. That is two pretty big muscle groups that you can build up in size, chest and back.

I am only 5'4" and my chest was 33" (115lbs) when I started training, it is now 47"- 48" (205lbs) at the same height. Stick to compound moves as the main bulk of your routine and eat a decent diet, you will be surprised at the difference you can make.

[midian]

you can grow a small amount of muscle over the ribcave (the serreatus anterior) but actually expanding your ribcage is not possible your bones can't be replaced

and you don't need to train the serratus direct everything that will retract the scapula will get this muscle worked

[BigBoogie]

The cartalige between you ribs is very soft and stretchable. Breathing squats and pullovers.

[scott_donald]

Originally posted by midian
you can grow a small amount of muscle over the ribcave (the serreatus anterior) but actually expanding your ribcage is not possible your bones can't be replaced

and you don't need to train the serratus direct everything that will retract the scapula will get this muscle worked

bump...

this is the night of stupid questions....

[Miracle Fingers]

Originally posted by keepingitreal
I'm trying to increase my chest measurements (like almost everyone it seems!) but i'm not blessed with a naturally big bone structure. In fact, I have a very small frame. So, even if i trained my pecs so they were enormous the naturally small size of my rib cage would minimise the effect. I have read however that it's possible to increase the size of your rib cage with the right stretches and exercises. Can someone confirm there's some truth to this? Or is it wishful thinking?!! And if so, what should i be doing to expand the natural size of my chest

Breath in and hold it.

[scott_donald]

Originally posted by Miracle Fingers
Breath in and hold it.

iwas just about to post that...

hehe..

[Miracle Fingers]

Seriously though, they can already lengthen bones by surgery. They can make you a few inches taller by breaking your calf bones and pinning them in a certain way so that they heal back longer. Exactly like in Gattaca. I know a girl who had this surgery so she could become a air stewardess.

They must be able to therefore do the same with your ribs, but is this really something you want to resort to?

[keepingitreal]

No, i certainly won't be going that far. I just wondered whether the correct stretches would expand your natural ribcage size. Doesn't seem a very unreasonble an idea to me. But i've read so many different views on this subject on the web. Some say it definitely can be done and you'd be a fool not to try, some say it definitely can't. It seems that there isn't a final answer on this subject yet. Anyone feel like volunteering for a study?