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:
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.
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.
