The Myth of Posture Props: Unraveling the Truth Behind Internet Solutions for Bad Posture

Ineffective posture products

In today's digital age, where many of us spend hours hunched over screens, the quest for better posture has given rise to a plethora of internet-sold posture props. From ergonomic chairs to back braces, these products promise a quick fix for bad posture. However, the reality is far more complex. In this blog post, we'll explore why posture props available on the internet often fall short of delivering lasting solutions to the pervasive problem of poor posture.

First of all, why is POSTURE such a hot topic now? The obvious reason is that 65% of the population is obese and another 10% overweight so better posture makes one look thinner! Decades ago women were instructed to practice being upright by walking with a heavy book on their heads. Military service was compulsory so men had very erect posture although this was often not bio-mechanically correct for the individual body.

Many of the wearable props are made for very cheap elastic that are intended to force your body into a correct posture. But your body is not made of Jello! You can't take a complicated anatomy of ligament and muscles and bones and fascia and simply mold it into the right position!

1. Superficial Solutions: Posture props, whether it's a lumbar support cushion or a posture corrector, often provide only a superficial solution to the complex issue of bad posture. They may offer temporary relief by forcing the body into a seemingly correct position, but they seldom address the underlying causes of poor posture.

2. Lack of Individualization: One size fits all – a common mantra of many internet-sold posture props. However, every individual's body is unique, and the factors contributing to poor posture can vary widely. Generic solutions fail to account for these individual differences, making it unlikely that they will effectively target the root causes of bad posture.

3. Dependency Concerns: Overreliance on posture props can lead to a dependency that may exacerbate the problem rather than solving it. Muscles, when consistently supported by external props, can become weaker over time, further contributing to postural issues. The key to improving posture lies in strengthening the muscles responsible for maintaining proper alignment, not relying on external support indefinitely.

4. Neglecting Lifestyle Factors: Posture is not solely determined by the ergonomics of your chair or the rigidity of a posture corrector. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, lack of exercise, and poor ergonomics in workspaces also play crucial roles in the development of bad posture. Internet-sold posture props often overlook the importance of addressing these broader lifestyle aspects.

5. Ignoring Mind-Body Connection: Effective posture correction involves not just physical adjustments but also a heightened awareness of one's body. Mindfulness and conscious effort are integral to developing lasting improvements in posture. Posture props, however, may create a false sense of security, diverting attention away from the necessary mental and emotional aspects of cultivating good posture.

While internet-sold posture props may offer quick fixes and temporary relief, they often fall short of providing lasting solutions to the complex issue of bad posture. True posture improvement requires a holistic approach that addresses individual needs, lifestyle factors, and the mind-body connection. Rather than relying on external supports, individuals should consider incorporating a well-rounded approach that includes targeted exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and mindfulness practices to foster lasting improvements in posture.

Posture Correction: How to Easily Correct Posture Fault

Sitting all day can harm your posture

Is Sitting the new Smoking? We hear constantly about how sitting at a screen is ruining our bodies. But is this true? In today's digital world, maintaining good posture seems to be just another issue to track, like “eating healthy” or exercising strenuously to “torch” those pesky calories, or sleeping in NREM for eight hours nightly, or meditating for 30 minutes daily, or hydrating yourself all the time. So much to track!

According to all the wellness blogs, “spending hours in front of computers ensures that it's easy to fall into habits that can lead to poor posture. Incorporating posture correction into our daily routine is essential for not only preserving our physical appearance but also for profound impacts on our overall health and well-being.” Obviously, with 65% of the U.S. population being obese and the overweight category is adding about 10%, we need to figure out what to do first.

Understanding Posture: Why It Matters

Posture refers to how we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture correctly aligns our body parts, supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without it, we can suffer from various issues, including back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders, and an unbalanced pelvis—the kingpin of our entire body.

So take a typical body carrying 50 pounds extra. Immediately, we see the positives. First, it is almost impossible to sit with one leg crossed over the other, which is the worst position for the body. Wherever you are – sitting on a subway or in an office or theatre or watching TV – LOOK at the number of people sitting with one leg crossed over the other! We all know about the importance of the CORE which can't align properly if the pelvis is unbalanced. Well, if you sit in this cross position, you are messing up your body. If you are obese, this is not a position you will find comfortable. Finally, one reason that obesity is not all bad! But seriously, this is our default position because it makes one look slimmer. It is ok if you sit this way for five minutes and then uncross and put feet flat on the floor for five and then cross again but the OTHER leg. No one does this even though it works.

Recognizing Poor Posture

Because no one wants to make anyone feel bad and all the celebrities on TV sit with legs crossed, this is NOT in a typical list of how to recognize bad posture. All you read is: slouched shoulders, a forward head position, arched lower back, and bent knees when standing or walking. That’s It Folks!

Again, the starting place is seated posture. There are many props to undo this bad leg crossed habit. But the best is SmartSEAT®.

Strategies for Better Posture

1. Mindful Sitting: When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Lengthen your back until it is too tiring (probably in five minutes). Then change position by doing a pelvic tuck which is part of the Cat Cow sequence from YOGA that everyone knows. At some point, twist your upper torso to the right on an INHALATION and then back to the CENTER. Then do the other side. Raise your heels and then lower them. Fidget. Shake. Just do silly movements so you don’t get stuck. And then stand up too!!

2. Standing Tall: While standing, distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Avoid locking your knees and keep your feet about shoulder-width apart. Tuck your stomach in, and keep your head level. Then change it all by bending knees and twisting and lift up on the toes and anything you can do to make standing ACTIVE.

3. Intelligent Exercise: Strengthening and Connecting the Core with Pilates exercises can help you feel better and taller. Many good exercises can be done seated too. If you have a “Wearable” Reformer—the brilliant apparatus patented by Joe Pilates—you can use the bungees to assist in so many core exercises.

4. Posture at Work: If you work at a desk, maybe an ergonomic chair or a standing desk will be beneficial, but still, you need to sit and stand and not choose only one. If you work in a factory or on an assembly line, the best idea is to think of your body feeling weightless and upright, and then it will sense itself and be better. AWARENESS is the best body tool.

The Benefits of Good Posture:

Everyone knows that dancers and actors are consciously projecting their better selves with a focus on posture. Fifty years ago, all models were trained to walk with a book on their head. They needed to walk gracefully. Today, many people practice with a different prop: the 40-inch long Parasetter® which challenges balance and alignment. Obviously, better posture reduces lower back pain, improves breathing, increases energy levels, and enhances appearance. Good posture also positively impacts your mood and self-esteem, projecting confidence and assertiveness.

Professional Help: Look to Alexander Technique®, Feldenkrais® and Pilates Teachers. Using the phone to video the before to give you a visual of the BEFORE will help you get to a better AFTER. Improving your posture happens daily. It requires mindfulness, some physical effort, and a lot of brain activity. The latter is also the best way to “torch” calories, so it is a great two-for-one! Enjoy!

Posture Props: Helpful Tools or Harmful Crutches?

The pathetic debate on the effectiveness of posture props is a topic of interest in the “wellness” community. As with anything that is designated wellness, the me, myself, and I principle obtains. Most of the props sold are only copycat versions of obvious helpers, but now people screaming on IG of how these are the best thing in the world, so this makes for money! One question in blogs is “Are these tools valuable aids in achieving better posture, or do they end up being crutches that hinder long-term postural health?” Has anyone looked at bodies today? Everything sold on Amazon such as lumbar rolls, ergonomic chairs, standing desks, posture corrector braces, and even wearables benefits various bodies.

Of course, no one even mentions the best prop which everyone already owns. What is this? A full-length mirror! In our NYC office, we have mirrors on two of the four walls. One wall is all windows which give us sunlight and views that help anyone sitting for hours at a computer screen. So if your mirror in the office is only in the bathroom, think about getting a desk version so you can glance at your body and see how you are slumping or twisting or, the worst: SITTING WITH LEGS CROSSED. No matter what prop you buy as a seat, if it doesn’t prevent the crossed leg posture, then you are nowhere. Zero. One such invention is SmartSEAT®, which is so named because it deals with this common sitting posture which totally unbalances the pelvis. It’s scary when you see Pilates and yoga teachers constantly talking about alignment and then they sit with one leg crossed over the other. As we all know, people always cross one leg and never even switch, so until this problem is fixed—and it’s very hard to do because your body adapts to this mode. So #1: pay attention to your legs. Try to put both feet on the floor. For good posture, seated is as important as standing.

The Case for Posture Props is Obvious:

1. Immediate Support: Posture props provide immediate support and relief, especially for individuals suffering from back pain or those recovering from injuries. They help maintain an ergonomically correct position, reducing strain on the body.

2. Enhanced Awareness: Using these tools can increase awareness of one's posture. Wearables that vibrate to remind you to sit up straight, for example, can develop mindfulness about posture throughout the day. Wearables like TYE4X™ can give you support and then the inclination to move while seated or standing because all four limbs are connected.

But remember: there is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Prop. What works for one individual may not work for another, leading to potential discomfort or even worsening of posture issues. Props can offer a quick fix, but many fail to address the root causes of poor posture, such as muscle weakness, imbalances, or mental issues. The key to effectively using posture props lies in balance and mindfulness. They should be used as part of a broader approach to improving posture, which includes exercises to strengthen core muscles, stretches to increase flexibility, and positivity such as taking regular breaks from just sitting.

Why is POSTURE such a big subject today? Well, let’s go back to the '50s when it was common to tell women to walk with a book on their head, and, of course, most books can weigh a pound or more. This was not the advice for Men because military service was compulsory, and they were instructed in military posture reasons. The reason to walk with the book on your head was so that you would look graceful with your head high. Today that’s not what people talk about as far as posture. They’re mostly concentrating on the roundedness in the upper back and the protruding belly and other obvious postural issues which make one look fatter. So today people talk about posture because they think it’s an easy way to look slim, and, of course, if you stand up straight—and that doesn’t mean with your shoulders squeezed back—you will look better. But really one needs to find connections, and that is what is learned in Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais® Moves which are really good on the Parasetter®. And Pilates because it goes beyond alignment and develops strength and flexibility. You may not know this, but almost all professional actors study AT and many also do Pilates.

Perfect Posture

MINIs in use by Ballet Dancers

Perfect Posture Starts with your Feet

We simply cannot discuss perfect posture without addressing standing. Let's start at the bottom, with the feet.

We have a product called "The MINIs." They are dual rollers, measuring 5 and 2 1/2 inches respectively. These rollers are incredibly light, versatile, and attached for ease of use. The MINIs allow for various stretches, strengthening exercises, and balance activities. They are so convenient that you could be seated watching television or working at your computer, and still benefit from using them. Standing with The MINIs offers numerous additional benefits such as improved posture, better balance, and relief from tightness in the Achilles and calf muscles. Using The MINIs can also help lift and strengthen your arches, which is vital for those with fallen arches, a common problem often due to excess weight.

These foot products are unusually comfortable compared to others on the market, some of which are hard, difficult, and frustrating to use. I recall giving a set of a different brand to my son who had foot pain. He found them so uncomfortable that he told me he'd prefer to endure the pain. This is not the case with The MINIs, which are enjoyable to use.

Release Tension in Your Head and Neck

Now, let's move from the feet to the head. We have a product called the "HeadFloater," which is best used while lying down on your back, a position officially known as supine. This tool draws inspiration directly from the Alexander Technique, a principle that has been adopted by Pilates enthusiasts.

The HeadFloater consists of a wonderful neoprene band that fits around your skull, from your forehead to the occiput. Attached to the band are cords that connect to straps. While lying down with a book under your head (a classic Alexander Technique), you pull these straps while inhaling and exhaling. As you continue this, you'll feel a release in the tension in your head and neck. This is a common tightness that most people experience, which sometimes eases naturally, but often requires a massage for relief.

However, not everyone has the time or resources to get a professional massage whenever needed. This is where the HeadFloater comes in handy. It's portable, lightweight, and highly effective for the entire cervical spine. You can carry it in your backpack and use it whenever you need it.

Taken together, the MINIs and HeadFloater can help you get one step closer to having Perfect Posture.