Latest news with #posture
New York Times
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
7 Exercises to Soothe Your Sore Neck and Shoulders
For thousands of years, humans have hunched over to light fires, care for our children and harvest plants. But the modern version of this position — curving forward from focus or fatigue, then lifting our chins to stare at our screens — can lead to pain for many people. This neck and upper back discomfort is often called 'tech neck' or 'text neck.' And experts say that it's not necessarily the position itself that is a problem, but the amount of time we spend in it. 'The important thing about posture is it's not such a binary good and bad,' said Claire Hsing, a physical therapist in Boulder, Colorado. Our bodies can be comfortable in many different positions, but few of them are ideal to hold for long periods of time, she said. Brad Callan, an assistant professor of physical therapy at Pacific Northwest University School of Health Sciences, sometimes uses a simple exercise to illustrate that point: He asks his patients to stretch their thumb far away from their hand. Then he tells them to imagine holding it that way for eight hours. 'That's what you're doing to your neck every day,' he tells them. Tech neck hasn't been rigorously studied, but experts say there are changes you can make that will likely offer some relief from the discomfort. First, check that your work station allows you to sit with good posture, Dr. Callan said. You should be able to keep your pelvis neutral, meaning you're not arching or rounding your back, he said. Stretches that release tension in the muscles along the neck and the tops of the shoulders can help, too, Dr. Hsing said. It's also important to strengthen the muscles in your mid-back and along your spine, and improve your mobility in these areas. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'I Tried Taylor Swift's Posture-Correcting Sports Bra—Here's My Honest Review'
'I Tried Taylor Swift's Posture-Correcting Sports Bra—Here's My Honest Review' originally appeared on Parade. Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. It pains me (literally) to admit this as a health editor and certified yoga instructor, but I've struggled with poor posture and neck and upper back pain my entire life. I've always had a hard time standing and sitting up straight—even as a little kid!—and while yoga has worked wonders for me over the years, I would still love to hunch less.I still remember the lengths I went to in the months leading up to my wedding seven years ago, so determined not to see photos of myself all hunched over on the big day. I got regular massages (can't complain about that!), did extra yoga and decided not to wear heels because the very act of trying to balance might make my posture worse. So when I saw how ramrod-straight 's posture was during her Eras tour while wearing Louboutin boots, I was obviously impressed.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊I knew from research that she was spotted wearing the Forme Power Bra during her rehearsals, a posture-correcting sports bra designed to help you stand up straighter by semi-forcing your back and shoulders into proper alignment. At $182, it isn't cheap, but when I got the opportunity to try it, I jumped at the chance. Could this be the solution to my hunched shoulders and the tech neck I'd simply learned to live with?Related: I have to be honest: The first thing I noticed when I put this bra on was that it wasn't very comfortable. I don't know why I was expecting it to be (maybe I just assume everything Taylor Swift touches is magic?), but it was tight and restrictive. At the same time, I noticed it was genuinely pulling my shoulders back, which was an interesting sensation, and not one I had felt I wish I could say I had the willpower to wear it 100% of the time, but New York is currently experiencing an oppressive heatwave, and I just need something that makes me feel a little freer most of the time. But I have spent the past few weeks wearing it for all my workouts, which include indoor cycling workouts and yoga honestly? It's making a huge difference. Because of my poor posture (a physical therapist once told me that the upper portion of my back literally does not move, making straightening it very hard), if I'm not extra careful during workouts, I end up with some soreness in my neck and shoulders the next not the good kind. And while wearing this bra isn't the most comfortable experience, it does keep everything aligned while I'm exercising, which is a huge deal. Honestly? Yes. I think that because my spine is forced into alignment while my body is doing something that's truly physically challenging for me, it's become way easier to hold it upright when I'm out and about in the world, wearing my regular bra that isn't all focused on helping me stand up straight. Another thing worth noting about the Forme Power Bra that could be a huge bonus for some people: It's very supportive. While I'm not a very, um, busty person and can typically get away with a sports bra with medium support for even the toughest workouts, for anyone looking for a sports bra that will really keep things tight and compact, this one is a great Whether your motivation for standing up straighter is related to wanting to project confidence, reduce pain or both, I personally think the high price tag on the Forme Power Bra is well worth it. Even though it's not my favorite bra to put on, in just a few weeks I've noticed less pain in my shoulders, back and neck, and a difference in my posture even when I'm not wearing it. So if it's in your budget, give it a shot! It works a lot better than those posture-buzzing devices, in my opinion. Up Next:'I Tried Taylor Swift's Posture-Correcting Sports Bra—Here's My Honest Review' first appeared on Parade on Jun 28, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
WIRED
6 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
I Spent More Than a Month on the Anthros V2. Here's Why This Office Chair Rules
It's rare for me to keep sitting on a chair I'm reviewing well after I've given it enough testing time. Usually, I want to hop back on my Herman Miller Embody, which feels just right for my body. But the Anthros V2 has been a pleasant surprise. It's been on my radar for several months, thanks to endless Instagram marketing reels, but honestly, those just made me even more skeptical. Anthros is a newcomer to the scene, only launching the first version of the chair in 2023. It makes grand claims about improving your posture and offering better support than office stalwarts like Herman Miller. It doesn't help that the V2 chair is north of $2,000, though it seems to be on sale often enough for around $1,900. But after nearly two months of sitting, the claims hold up—I find it more supportive than almost all the chairs I've tested, and my posture has been great. The Embody still holds a place in my heart, but the Anthros V2 might be the best chair for anyone looking to sharpen up their posture, especially if you've been dealing with back pain. Pelvic Support Photograph: Julian Chokkattu The Anthros chair focuses on supporting the pelvis, not the lumbar, similar to Herman Miller's Aeron and Embody, except it gives you far more to work with when dialing in the backrest. After setting it up, I had a call with an Anthros ergonomics therapist, something that's included for every customer. The therapist looks at how you're sitting in the chair (via video call) and will make suggestions until you feel comfortable in the seat. I wish every luxe chair offered such a service. The rear knobs on the left and right of the chair control the two-part backrest system. The right knob moves the lumbar backrest forward and back, and the left knob handles the top. I haven't sat on a chair that lets you adjust the backrest to this degree, and I find it helps tailor the chair precisely to your body shape. It's the top backrest that took me a little time to get used to. On my first day in the chair, I felt a little sore because it almost felt like the chair was pushing in. In reality, there wasn't any pressure, and I started feeling my back gently resting on the backrest. It was my posture correcting itself; it felt straight as a whistle. I also appreciate the compact design, which proves that you don't need your whole back to be held up by a backrest to feel supported, much like how you don't need a headrest on an office chair if it's designed well. I spent a lot of time reclining in this chair, and my posture didn't change. You can lock the recline with the front left knob, but I kept it unlocked on the tightest tension (via the front right knob), allowing me to gently slope back. I never felt uncomfortable. That might also be due to the plush Cloudfloat seat, which is thicker than what you'll find on most high-end office chairs. My only gripe with this seat is that I found the depth lacking for my 6'4" frame. It leaves about six fingers' worth of a gap between the edge and the back of my knee, when it should ideally be two to three. It's not a deal-breaker, but I'd have liked to feel that coverage extend closer to my knee. The seat is the perfect width for me, though taller and bigger folks may find it constricting. Got Your Back Photograph: Julian Chokkattu There's a good degree of customization when purchasing the chair. You can choose between a white or black frame, add fun back panels like wood or specific designs, and opt for fabric or leather upholstery. I've been sitting on the smooth Athlon Performance fabric, which hasn't shown any signs of pilling even after nearly two months of daily use.
WIRED
7 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
Anthros Chair V2 Review: Surprisingly Great
It's rare for me to keep sitting on a chair I'm reviewing well after I've given it enough testing time. Usually, I want to hop back on my Herman Miller Embody, which feels just right for my body. But the Anthros V2 has been a pleasant surprise. It's been on my radar for several months, thanks to endless Instagram marketing reels, but honestly, those just made me even more skeptical. Anthros is a newcomer to the scene, only launching the first version of the chair in 2023. It makes grand claims about improving your posture and offering better support than office stalwarts like Herman Miller. It doesn't help that the V2 chair is north of $2,000, though it seems to be on sale often enough for around $1,900. But after nearly two months of sitting, the claims hold up—I find it more supportive than almost all the chairs I've tested, and my posture has been great. The Embody still holds a place in my heart, but the Anthros V2 might be the best chair for anyone looking to sharpen up their posture, especially if you've been dealing with back pain. Pelvic Support Photograph: Julian Chokkattu The Anthros chair focuses on supporting the pelvis, not the lumbar, similar to Herman Miller's Aeron and Embody, except it gives you far more to work with when dialing in the backrest. After setting it up, I had a call with an Anthros ergonomics therapist, something that's included for every customer. The therapist looks at how you're sitting in the chair (via video call) and will make suggestions until you feel comfortable in the seat. I wish every luxe chair offered such a service. The rear knobs on the left and right of the chair control the two-part backrest system. The right knob moves the lumbar backrest forward and back, and the left knob handles the top. I haven't sat on a chair that lets you adjust the backrest to this degree, and I find it helps tailor the chair precisely to your body shape. It's the top backrest that took me a little time to get used to. On my first day in the chair, I felt a little sore because it almost felt like the chair was pushing in. In reality, there wasn't any pressure, and I started feeling my back gently resting on the backrest. It was my posture correcting itself; it felt straight as a whistle. I also appreciate the compact design, which proves that you don't need your whole back to be held up by a backrest to feel supported, much like how you don't need a headrest on an office chair if it's designed well. I spent a lot of time reclining in this chair, and my posture didn't change. You can lock the recline with the front left knob, but I kept it unlocked on the tightest tension (via the front right knob), allowing me to gently slope back. I never felt uncomfortable. That might also be due to the plush Cloudfloat seat, which is thicker than what you'll find on most high-end office chairs. My only gripe with this seat is that I found the depth lacking for my 6'4" frame. It leaves about six fingers' worth of a gap between the edge and the back of my knee, when it should ideally be two to three. It's not a deal-breaker, but I'd have liked to feel that coverage extend closer to my knee. The seat is the perfect width for me, though taller and bigger folks may find it constricting. Got Your Back Photograph: Julian Chokkattu There's a good degree of customization when purchasing the chair. You can choose between a white or black frame, add fun back panels like wood or specific designs, and opt for fabric or leather upholstery. I've been sitting on the smooth Athlon Performance fabric, which hasn't shown any signs of pilling even after nearly two months of daily use.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is ‘adult tummy time' the secret to fighting tech neck? How it can ease neck and back pain
No sweat, no sneakers, no standing. The latest wellness craze skips the squats and goes straight to the floor. 'Adult tummy time' is taking the internet by storm, with fans claiming the face-down position helps fix posture and fends off the modern-day menace known as tech neck. The Post spoke with three physical therapists to find out if this trend is a back-saving breakthrough — or just another pain in the neck. Here's everything you need to know before hitting the ground. Turns out all that scrolling, typing and slouching comes at a cost. 'Tech neck is a term used to describe the neck pain, stiffness and discomfort that results from prolonged periods of looking down at electronic devices like smartphones, tablets or laptops,' said Caitlin Reid, clinical director at Spear Physical Therapy. It's often the result of poor posture, when the head leans forward and the neck has to support its weight for an extended period of time, Reid explained. And that's no small task. 'Ten pounds of weight is added to the cervical spine for every inch that the neck is tilted forward,' said Dr. James Higgins, a physical therapist and partner at Integrative Physical Therapy of NYC. He said more patients are coming into his practice with symptoms of tech neck, especially office workers. While it's tough to pin down exactly how many Americans are affected, studies indicate that 73% of university students and 65% of people who work from home have neck or back pain. 'If left unaddressed, tech neck can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, muscle imbalances, nerve compression and disc degeneration,' Reid warned. If you've ever spent time with a baby, you've probably seen this move in action. ''Tummy time' for infants is a critical activity that supports several key physical and cognitive milestones,' Reid said. It helps strengthen neck, core and upper body muscles, prevents flat head syndrome and supports hand-eye coordination and motor skills, she explained. For adults, the move is all about counteracting poor posture. ''Adult tummy time' requires the participant to extend the neck and lower back, reversing the poor postural position of a flexed neck and lower back,' Higgins explained. 'The reversal decreases pain and provides relief to the neck and lower back joints.' 'As a physical therapist, I see value in this position because it helps counteract forward head and rounded posture by stretching the front of the body, improving spinal extension and strengthening the muscles that support the shoulders and neck,' said Dr. Morgan Severe, an orthopedic clinical specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Naples Comprehensive Health. Reid said even 10 minutes a day can help prevent tech neck — and ease the aches that come with it. ''Tummy time' can relieve neck and lower back pain for patients who are suffering from postural syndromes, strain and cervical or lumbar disc displacement injuries such as herniations and protrusions,' Higgins added. While 'adult tummy time' is a widely accessible move, it's not for everyone. ''Tummy time' would not be appropriate for individuals diagnosed with cervical or lumbar stenosis, spondylosis and osteoarthritis,' Higgins warned. 'In these cases, extension-based movements such as 'tummy time' would most likely exacerbate their symptoms,' he continued. Reid said others should be cautious too, such as those with serious back or neck pain, recent abdominal or cardiac surgeries, severe breathing problems and women near the end of their pregnancy. 'It's important that the position feels comfortable and doesn't cause pain, such as in the lower back,' Severe said. 'If it does, I recommend speaking with a licensed healthcare provider for modifications.' To do the move, find a firm spot such as the floor or a yoga mat. Avoid soft surfaces like beds or couches. 'For proper positioning, lay face down on your elbows,' Higgins said. 'Make sure your elbows are positioned directly underneath your shoulders. Look straight ahead and relax your lower back.' Begin with five to 10 minutes in the position. Stop immediately if you experience sharp or shooting pain in your neck, shoulders or back, feel lightheaded, have difficulty breathing, notice numbness or tingling in your hands or arms or cannot maintain proper posture, Higgins said. If you're not ready to hit the carpet, there are plenty of other moves you can try to tackle tech neck. 'Commonly used strategies for addressing tech neck and poor posture include strengthening of the postural muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back as well as stretching of the tight muscles in the shoulders, chest and back of neck caused by poor posture,' Reid shared. Think neck and shoulder rolls, arm circles, wall push-ups and yoga poses like downward dog or cat-cow. Higgins agreed. 'When we slouch our shoulders forward, our neck will tilt forward as well,' he said. 'Through strengthening our upper back/scapular muscles, we keep our shoulders retracted and, in return, our neck stays in a neutral, pain-free position.' The most important part of all is simple — move. 'Ultimately, our bodies aren't designed to stay in one position for too long,' Severe said. 'Frequent movement breaks and posture changes throughout the day, alongside an active lifestyle, are key to long-term musculoskeletal health.'
