Eli5: Why is it after exercise etc, people’s general reaction is to rest their hands on their hips, rather than just let the hang down the side of their body?

Question

Eli5: Why is it after exercise etc, people’s general reaction is to rest their hands on their hips, rather than just let the hang down the side of their body?

In: Other

Answer 1

Allowing your arms to hang down puts weight on the shoulders and arms, which can be uncomfortable after a hard workout.

Putting your hands on your hips pivots your elbows out of the way and causes the shoulder to work rotationally, putting all the force through your forearms and into your waist, allowing you to rest the muscles.