Everything You Need To Know About Posture Correctors
Growing up, you might have been told that slouching does you absolutely no favors in terms of presenting your best self to the world. But poor posture goes beyond looking bad, it's bad for your body too (just ask your tense neck, inflamed traps, and achy lumbar). With many of us currently stuck working from home, we're not necessarily dealing with the most physically supportive office setups — and so we turn to ergonomic accessories, like posture correctors, for a quick body fix.
"Many of us work on a computer at a desk, so being constrained to sitting and staring at a screen all day contributes to poor posture," Vinh Pham, physical therapist and co-founder of Myodetox Clinics tells Refinery29. Unsurprisingly, a recent uptick in the harness-like posture corrector has ensued with top-rated styles on Amazon selling out like hotcakes. But, do they actually work? Well, yes and no. "These posture correctors are designed as a tool to help with correcting your posture by providing proprioceptive feedback and support [for] your spine," Pham explains. However, they're not intended to do the work for you — which is where strengthening your own muscles comes in: "The best way to help improve our posture is to be reminded to move frequently while we work or sit for long periods of time, as well as doing a regular exercise routine to strengthen your postural muscles."
Ahead, additional facts on how these trending contraptions can support (but not replace!) healthy posture habits — along with a handful of still-in-stock styles you can add to cart.
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ComfyBrace Posture Corrector
If you're in need of a reminder to straighten up, then wearing a posture corrector can be helpful to give you the feeling of keeping your shoulders back and your chest open — but, don't rely on them completely: "Your postural muscles will get weaker if you wear these things for extended periods of time," says Pham. "Long story short, posture devices should only be used temporarily if you need a reminder to straighten up the back and build the habit of sitting up straight, but definitely not as a long-term solution." This Amazon bestseller helps relieve chronic back pain and encourages better posture with its orthopedic design.
ComfyBrace Posture Corrector- Fully Adjustable for Mid Upper Spine, $19.97, available at Amazon.
FlexGuard Posture Corrector & Back Brace
"Poor posture can affect the body in numerous ways," Pham says. "Over time, these poor patterns of movement will lead to muscle compensations and imbalances that may increase our chances of injury and onset of pain."
FlexGuard Support Posture Corrector for Women & Men - Back Brace, $30.99 $17.95, available at Amazon.
BetterBack Portable Posture Trainer
This Shark Tank find aims to make any chair an ergonomic one by aligning the lower back and hips for optimal lumbar support while seated.
BetterBack Portable Posture Trainer, $49.00, available at The Grommet.
BackEmbrace Posture Corrector
One positive thing about certain posture correctors is that unlike these stock photo models (sorry, guys), you can easily wear them under clothing without any bumps or visible lines. (While testing the BackEmbrace, I forgot it was on while I wore it for an afternoon of errands and WFH.)
BackEmbrace Posture Corrector for Men and Women, $59.99, available at Amazon.
Hempvana Arrow Posture
This vest-style corrector is available in two sizes for a better fit and can be easily adjusted to conform to your body.
Hempvana Arrow Posture™ in Size S/M, $19.99, available at Bed Bath & Beyond; Hempvana Arrow Posture™ in
Size L/XL, $19.99, available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Mercase Posture Corrector Adjustable Support Back Brace
While wearing a posture corrector can help, Pham also recommends proper stretches and moves to strengthen postural muscles.
Here are a few to try out during your next brain break: A series of cat-cow poses, where you begin by rounding your shoulders and looking down, ("feel the stretch between your shoulder blades," Pham says), and slowly, shift to look up, "squeezing your shoulder blades together and pulling your shoulders back until you feel the stretch in your chest or the front of your neck."
Mercase Posture Corrector Adjustable Support Back Brace, $25.99, available at Amazon.
Dartwood Posture Corrector, Adjustable Back Brace Straightener
Another move to incorporate is what Pham calls "the W." In a standing position, you start with arms outstretched (visualize your body making a Y-shape) and then, "as if pulling down on something, squeeze the elbows to your sides and your shoulder blades down your back." Your ending body position should resemble a W-shape.
Dartwood Posture Corrector, Adjustable Back Brace Straightener, $29.99 $21.99, available at Target.
