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Unlock Happy Muscles: The Power of Good Posture

Let’s talk about something we all do every day: sitting! Yep, that simple act of sitting in a chair can have a HUGE impact on our bodies. Research suggests that people exposed to both prolonged sitting and improper posture are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and low back pain (Markova, 2024).

To reduce these risks, we can incorporate movement throughout the day—standing up, stretching, or taking breaks to walk around. Ergonomic setups, where your chair, desk, and screen are properly adjusted, can help align your body and ease strain. Alternatively, active sitting options, like stability balls or specialized chairs, encourage subtle movements that strengthen your core and improve posture.

Even rethinking how you sit can make a big difference for your health over time. What do you think—ready to take a stand for better sitting habits?

Unlock Happy Muscles: The Power of Good Posture
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Why Does Posture Matter Anyway?

Think of your spine like the central support beam of a building. If the beam is bent, the entire structure is compromised, right? Same goes for your spine! Good posture keeps your bones and joints properly aligned, reducing wear and tear. Plus, let’s be honest, you look more confident when you’re standing tall. Long-term effects of poor sitting posture include (Daneshmand, 2017):

  • Forward head posture
  • Lower back pain
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Aches and pains

Daily Posture Wins (Even at Your Desk!)

So, how do we achieve this magical “good posture”? It’s all about awareness and a few simple adjustments.

  • Sitting Pretty: When you’re at your desk, keep your feet flat on the floor (or use a footrest if needed). Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Adjust your chair so your hips are slightly higher than your knees to help maintain the natural curve in your lower back. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head – that’s the feeling you’re going for!
  • Organize Your Space: Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary reaching and twisting. Consider keyboard and mouse placement for good posture.
  • Tech Check: Your monitor should be at eye level, about an arm’s length away. This prevents you from craning your neck. If you’re using a laptop, getting an external keyboard and monitor can create a more ergonomic setup. This is key to an ergonomic workstation for good posture.
  • Take Breaks! Our bodies weren’t designed to sit still for hours on end. Set a timer to get up and move every 20-30 minutes. Even short walks around the office or a quick stretch can make a big difference. This is crucial for achieving good posture for long hours.
Good and Bad Sitting Postures
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Tiger Tail to the Rescue!

Now, here’s where Tiger Tail comes in! These amazing massage tools are perfect for releasing tension and keeping your muscles happy, especially after a long day at the desk. Even with the best posture, you can develop muscle tension… Help is on its way.

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  • Rolling Out Tension: Use the Tiger Tail Knotty Tiger® Jr on your neck and shoulders. It’s like giving yourself a mini massage! Focus on areas that feel tight or sore. You can even use it while sitting at your desk for a quick release.
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  • Targeted Relief: The Tiger Tail ReGreen™ Tiger Claw Massage Hook is perfect for those pesky knots that seem to pop up. Use it to apply targeted pressure and release tension in specific areas.
The Long One 22" Handheld Foam Roller Back Massage
  • Stretching: In addition to massaging the muscle knots directly, active stretching is essential for releasing muscle tightness and cramping.
    • Stretch the shoulders using the Tiger Tail 18” roller. Place the roller between the shoulder blades with one hand on top and the other hand on the bottom. Hold the stretch for 20 – 30 seconds and switch hands.
Neck Stretches while sitting at your desk
  • Neck Stretches are easy to do while sitting at your desk.
    • Start in a seated position with good posture and relaxed shoulders

    • Use your right hand to gently guide your head towards your right shoulder, aiming to feel a stretch along the left side of your neck.

    • Avoid lifting your shoulder.

    • Hold for 20-30 seconds

    • Repeat on the other side

Small Changes, Big Impact

Maintaining good posture is a journey, not a destination. Start small—introduce simple changes into your routine and build from there. Your body will thank you!

And for a little extra muscle love, check out Tiger Tail products! They can be a fantastic addition to your posture-care plan!

For more information on our awesome tools and wellness programming:

Website: www.tigertailusa.com

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.

References

Daneshmandi H, Choobineh A, Ghaem H, Karimi M. Adverse Effects of Prolonged Sitting Behavior on the General Health of Office Workers. J Lifestyle Med. 2017 Jul;7(2):69-75. doi: 10.15280/jlm.2017.7.2.69. 

Markova, V., Markov, M., Petrova, Z., & Filkova, S. (2024). Assessing the Impact of Prolonged Sitting and Poor Posture on Lower Back Pain: A Photogrammetric and Machine Learning Approach. Computers13(9), 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13090231

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JulieZuleger

Dr. Julie Zuleger has over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specialist, RYT-500 Yoga Instructor, and Human Movement Specialist. Julie promotes self-care using massage tools and stretching-based programs and teaches continuing education courses for yoga teachers, massage therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning, fitness, and wellness professionals. Julie holds a PhD in Education and is the Director of Kinesiology and Education at Tiger Tail USA.