Eli5 Why does bad posture feel so…. good.
In: Biology
Maybe observe how very small children sit and stand – for the most part they have wonderfully balanced posture. When they see the adults around them, have to use desks and chairs that don’t fit them, or spend lots of time with a screen – that’s when their posture starts looking like everyone else’s – pretty poor.
Considering that bad posture can create tension, weak movement, and poor breathing, it doesn’t feel “good” – it’s just what you’re used to. When you’re trying to take on a habit, it won’t feel good at all until your body relearns how to do things.
People see posture as being some static thing – then they try to force a posture on themselves. It’s like trying to play statue – it’s pretty tiring.
It takes a lot of self-observation to change a movement habit, and most people have to feel pain and tension, or suddenly realize they’ve been holding their breath as they’re working (did you have to take breath right then?), before they change their position.
(I’ve been practicing Alexander Technique for a few years now, so I take posture pretty seriously. It’s not for everyone, but I think people who want to improve their posture should look into a movement or somatic practice that jives with their personality. Sadly, many people are divorced from their bodies.)
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