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My 8 Top Products For Better Posture
(That Every Serious Blogger Needs)
We live in the age of the computer, and it shows in our posture.
I was very young when the desktop computer started showing up in houses, when the Internet started to go mainstream. One of my favorite stories my grandma loves to tell happened when I was maybe four or five years old. She was babysitting me, and I wanted to play my Barbie game on the computer.
Problem was, Grandma didn’t know how to navigate the computer, let alone how to turn the thing on. But see, I REALLY wanted to play my Barbie game, so I told her to pick me up and put me on the desk. I turned the monitor on (we’re talking one of those massive gray beasts from Dell), and then went down below to put the CD in the drive.
And little four-or-five year old Kathryn got to play her game while Grandma “supervised” and dreamed of better days of the good ole typewriter.
Okay, not really.
A couple decades later, Grandma learned how to send an email and write a letter in MS Word, and even has gotten the hang of the Google. Though, she did keep the typewriter until it broke down and there was no one left to repair it. It was super cool, even if my little brain from when I was a kid couldn’t understand why there was no backspace functionality.
I’ve been using a computer since I was at least four years old, and as you all know, my day job sits me behind a desk for most of the day. It really shows in my posture. Sure, some of my slumping has to do with actual physical issues I’m in treatment for, but half the battle is making the effort to sit up straight.
But I will say, ever since I really started working on my posture, people have asked me if I’ve gotten taller. I have barely been five-foot-one-if-I’m-not-slouching since I stopped growing, so it’s kind of wild what good posture can really do for you.
As bloggers and side hustlers, we spend a TON of time on our computers. So, read on for my six recommendations on how to maintain your posture while working hard on your hustle.
*Please note, I am NOT a medical professional, these are merely recommendations based on products that have helped me*
Better Posture: The Health Benefits
First things first: why is good posture so important?
According to Harvard Medical School, good posture is the key to having good balance. You need to have good balance for everything. Walking around the block, sitting down or standing up and even turning to look behind you, that’s ALL balance.
When sitting down, Harvard recommends keeping your chin parallel to the floor, your shoulders, hips, and knees at even heights, and your knees and feet should be pointing straight ahead.
Sounds simple, but it is something you have to consciously be aware of and working on, even when doing all the million other things you have to do when you’re sitting in front of a computer.
From a mindset standpoint, standing up straight leads to an immediate confidence boost. Coaches everywhere talk about standing tall and shouting to the rooftops that you!can!do!anything! Not to mention, you’ll totally look taller too!
And sure, there’s the aesthetic benefits too. Magazines everywhere preach their “cheats to look five pounds thinner”, and option one is ALWAYS, stand up straight. Of course, true weight loss also includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Just like consistent blogging leads to success, consistent exercise—whatever it is you choose to do—leads to better posture.
Products For Better Posture: A Balance Disc
This one, from Black Mountain, can be found on Amazon.
I am a HUGE fan of my balance disc. All it is, is a rounded seat cushion filled with air that you sit on, and it encourages you to engage your core while you sit at your desk. While most people just want a flat stomach, engaging your core is important for posture, because those muscles in your core and your lower back heavily influence how straight you stand or sit.
For bloggers and side hustlers, having something to actively work your core while you’re working at your computer is incredibly important. We all know that sitting down for long periods isn’t healthy, but a balance disc at least gives you a little bit of a workout while you work.
I LOVE my balance disc from Gaiam.
Products For Better Posture: Stability Ball
Stability balls are awesome!
Think of them as a step up from a balance disc, since they replace the chair you sit on completely. Also known as an exercise ball (yeah, like that one you use to work out at the gym), they help improve core strength. As mentioned above, core strength is critical for good posture.
Good posture, in fact, can decrease discomfort, especially when you’re sitting down. Stability balls have grown in popularity in the non-gym space in recent years, because they keep its users active, even when sitting down. They encourage users to actively engage their core (see: sit up straight) giving a critical posture boost.
A good stability ball it tough, not flimsy, and is properly inflated. Also, when looking for a stability ball, make sure it is the proper size for your height. If you’re under 4 feet 10 inches tall, guidelines recommend a 30 to 35 centimeter ball. For people 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet five inches all, guidelines recommend a 45 centimeter ball. And if you are 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall, guidelines recommend a 55 centimeter ball. It’s important to keep in mind that you may need a taller ball if you plan to use one with your desk, so you can reach everything you need.
There are a ton of options available, including this one from DYNAPRO, this one from Black Mountain Products, or this one from Gaiam.
Products For Better Posture: Yoga Ball Chair
When seated on a yoga ball chair (or even just the stability ball like the point above), your muscles are actively making small micro movements to keep you balance. It may not feel like much, but it IS a little bit of a workout. Not only that, but if you’re the type of person who focuses best by moving (I’m one of those), then this is really for you. You’re going to be moving a LOT.
This yoga ball chair from Gaiam comes in a ton of colors (I have my eye on the purple one). Another, similar option is this one from LuxFit. For an extra balance boost, you can pick up this one, also from Gaiam, which doesn’t have the chair back feature that the first one does.
Products For Better Posture: Back Cushion
Do you spend a lot of time in the car? I’ve been known to go on a road trip or two in my time, and I am a HUGE fan of the BackJoy Posture Plus back cushion. I called ours “The Butt”. When I moved out to Alabama after I graduated college, the back cushion was 100% my saving grace going from Los Angeles to Birmingham in three days. There’s a reason why these things have racked up nearly 800 reviews on Amazon.
All it is, is a seat you put on your seat, and it helps encourage you to sit up and forward, even when you’re driving for long periods. It’s also great if you suffer from sciatica. The first time I used it really made me away of just how much I slump when I’m driving.
Products For Better Posture: Posture Corrector
Since I know I slouch the MOST when I work as a statistician for some local volleyball teams, I never work a match without bringing my posture corrector along. It’s much smaller than a full back-on brace (and I have one of those too). It may make my shirts look kind of weird, but I’m way beyond the point where I care about that. All that matters is I don’t slouch anymore.
My posture corrector keeps me sitting up and forward the entire time I’m scoring a match (More on what that means in this post, especially tournaments. Want to know what volleyball can teach you about blogging? Check that post out here). I have noticed a huge difference in my posture and more stability in my lower back while wearing my posture corrector, even if it looks a little funny.
Products For Better Posture: A Standing Desk
For sure, this is a pricer option, but I am a HUGE fan of the concept of standing desks. Studies show that not only is your posture better when you’re standing, but you’re also MUCH more productive. I know for a fact that when I’m working on my computer standing up, my posture is MUCH better than when I’m sitting on my couch. VARIDESK is one of the most popular and well-known standing desks brands, and they come with all the bells and whistles.
Want to cobble together your own for much, much less? I have a console accent table that was originally for decor purposes that I use as the base of mine. It was supposed to be the thing where I would throw my keys and mail when I walked in the door after work. Nowadays, I still throw my mail on it, but I also do most of my work on it.
All I did to turn a console table into a standing desk was put my old high school year books in a pile with a shoe box full of the credentials I picked up durning my decade working in college sports, and a ream of paper. It’s not the prettiest, but it keeps me on my feet. It also keeps the pressure off my wrists – which I hope means lessening my risk for carpal tunnel.
And studies ALSO show that the less you sit, the healthier you are.
Products For Better Posture: Yoga
Who would I be if I didn’t offer you a free option?
Yoga is GREAT for posture.
I am a huge fan of Yoga With Adriene, a channel on YouTube with hours and hours and hours of FREE content. Adriene, a yoga instructor and actor based in Austin, Texas, has videos for every length and type of yoga, even break-it-down-to-basics instructional videos for fundamental postures. Adriene’s videos are fantastic for ALL levels. In the last few years she has kicked off January with an amazing 30-day challenge. It’s really for everyone.
Adriene’s channel has almost four million subscribers, and over 400 videos. It is my go-to for yoga. The best part is that you can do this from anywhere, not just a yoga class. All you need is a yoga mat, but even that you don’t REALLY need, because a towel works just as well.
My goal is to one day soon complete each of the 30-day challenges in order, and really turn yoga into a permanent part of my daily routine. And not only does yoga have great posture benefits, but it’s low impact, helps build muscles, and an amazing introduction to meditation. Meditation is great for bloggers, because it helps you clear your mind and all that clutter that keeps you from getting your side hustle to-do list done. One of my favorite yoga for meditation videos by Adriene is Yoga For Healing and Meditation from her 30 Days of Yoga series from 2015. I have done and loved every video from that 30-day challenge. It’s a great place for yoga newbies to start.
You can learn more about Adriene on her website, YogaWithAdriene.com.
What do you do to maintain your posture while working on your side hustle? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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Pin It For Later
There are so many posture products on the market lately. I am not quite sure what brought on this influx of products but you have presented some awesome options.
Thanks! It’s become especially important to me since I decided to tackle my back and neck pain issues. Good posture is SO important for physical health
The balance disc is definitely something that will keep in check because it will keep on reminding me to tighten my core which Lord knows I need.
I know! It’s so helpful, especially for people who sit a lot! I love mine!
I need to try these out for sure. I am told my posture is pretty terrible. I am working at it!
I totally recommend it! I didn’t realize just how draining it was to having bad posture!
So important for anyone who sits for long periods of time. I have started forcing myself to get up every hour and at least do a little walking.
I do that too! My Apple Watch reminds me hourly if I haven’t gotten up. So helpful!
I have noticed over the past year or two the degradation of my posture. I really need to pay attention to it.
It’s so important! And you’ll have more energy to tackle your side hustle when you do!
These look great! I’m paranoid about my back and how I sit after getting a back injury years ago. These all look really handy 🙂
They really are! I highly recommend them!
Good read! We spend all day on a chair and we wonder why we have back pain. I definitely need to get one of this products. Thank you for sharing!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
For sure! I was sitting in a meeting today and I knew it was going on WAY too long when my thigh started hurting. That’s my sign that it’s time to stretch out! If I had to pick one, I’d definitely go with the balance disc!
These are all really great tips! I have used a standing desk before, and I do think that it helps a lot, especially when you are sitting on the computer all day. I’ll have to try some of the other options out too, thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a place to start, my vote is the balance disc!
I had no idea these products could help so much! I have horrible posture!
Mine used to be bad too, but it’s much improved now! If you want to pick one to start, I’d go with the balance disc!
Omg! I love this list, I can see a few things I need, my back is always killing me, I will start with the balance disk and the standing desk.
Good plan! I hope they help you!
Maintaining proper posture is very important to good health. These look like a great list of products for restoring/maintaining proper posture.
Thanks! I’m a big fan of each option!
These are so so so much needed. And thanks for pointing them out especially for us, bloggers. I have a desk job and have to spend hours and hours on the table and computer and my back is already paining. I am 30 and I don’t know how far is this going to stretch.
Yeah, it’s definitely tough on the body. I try to get up as often as I can, especially if my Apple Watch tells me I’ve been sitting for too long. It’s not much, but it does help!
A lot of my clients switched to standing desks and they love it
I wish I could do that at my day job!
Oh my gosh, my posture is horrible! I need to work on it, for sure. I love the idea of setting up a standing desk. I think that would make a huge difference for me.
Try it out! It’s been amazing for me! I spend so much time sitting at work, so I try to stand as much as possible when I’m home. With a standing desk, I can both stand AND get work done on my side hustle.
I like the idea of the balance disc. You know I sit down all day and my posture does take a knock o. Affect, due to slouching.
It’s so great! You should definitely try it out!
This is a very helpful and insightful post! I have started standing while working on the computer, but I’m liking the idea of a yoga ball to sit on, too. Thanks for the tips!
Of course! When I first wrote this post, I totally forgot about the yoga ball. So six tips ballooned to eight! Try something new and see what works!
This was a very interesting read. I have struggled with my posture for so long. I finally bought a posture brace on Amazon, but have yet to try it out! I’ve been doing yoga for 2 years now, and my posture still sucks. I love these stability balls that you can place on your chair while your at work. I have a desk job, so this would be perfect! I clicked on your link and hope to buy soon! 🙂
You should definitely try that brace! I don’t wear mine like…all day (unless I’m working a volleyball match and know I’m going to slump over). Just take is one step at a time!
I have a Stability Ball. This is a good reminder to start using it again. Thank you!
That’s awesome!
It is so true. The core is key. When I rode horses my core was in great shape. Now that I sit on my couch writing …. not so much! lol
Yeah, I never had much by way of core strength, but I’m working on it now!
Great tips! I’m sitting on my Yoga Ball Chair right now! I’ve been using it for years and love it. I also alternate between yoga and pilates (with lots of stretching) every morning and if I miss a day or two I can REALLY tell.
I’ve never tried pilates before, but I’ve heard a lot of good things. I really need to get back into a consistent yoga routine, especially now that I’ve written this!
I sit the majority of my day at work so having good posture and being comfortable are super important. I’ve never seen a balance disk before. Looks fun.
It’s fun and it works great! I remember I was so sore the first couple days I used mine, but I got so much better and sat comfortably for much longer, the more I used it!
I had not seen the balance disk before. Great idea!
I’m a huge fan of mine! I was sore after the first few days of using it, which tells me it’s working!
Thank you for posting this. I have been overwhelmed by options since I decided to attack my back pain by fixing my posture first. This gives me a great plan of action. Thank you! Thank you!
Good luck! All it takes are small steps to build to a consistent routine with whichever you choose!
This is wonderful! I work at a physiotherapy/occupational therapy clinic and these products are wonderful for so many1
They really are! My physical therapy office has saved me from a TON of pain these last few months.
I think I can echo everyone else’s thoughts saying I too have to work on this. When the decline in physical shape is gradual you don’t even notice it, but them comparing yourself to 5 years ago you realize some things. Thank you for putting this together and sharing to remind us to take care of ourselves!
It’s so important to remember that, even as we work hard on our side hustles!
I need this post! I’m typing all day and sat on my sofa! It’s so bad for me. Those balls give me birthing flashbacks but I’ll look into a disc.
I have the same problem, though if I do have to be working on my couch, I make sure to sit back against the arm, instead of the back cushions, since I won’t slump into them. Balance discs are awesome and really low key. It’s a great first step!
Posture so important. We use a yoga ball chair at our desk at work. It’s made a huge difference!
I definitely need to work on convincing my boss that we need yoga ball chairs or standing desks. Or both!
I have a standing desk and I love it, especially when I work long hours at my computer. I have a tendency to walk in place and move around so that helps get a few more movements into my day.
That’s so awesome! I’m pretty much constantly moving too, even when I’m sitting down
I keep looking into yoga to help my overall posture and strength. I really need to get to it!!!
It’s so helpful for posture and balance and even upper body strength! Definitely look into Yoga with Adriene, because it’s one of those things that you can do everywhere, even your living room!
Kathryn this is a great post, I am reading this while realizing the chair in my office while cute, it is not comfortable:( seriously going to check out the balance disc).
I highly recommend it! It’s both comfortable to sit on once you get used to it AND helps a ton with your posture!
These are great! I love yoga to help with so many ailments!
It’s so helpful! And is great for my mood too!
I couldn’t agree more on something that is comfortable to sit on.
That’s important too! Especially if you’re stuck at work in a chair that’s uncomfortable, the balance disc can really do the trick and make it easier!
This is so important and i really appreciate this. As someone who is very top heavy, I often find myself slouching with bad posture, and it gets pretty uncomfortable. Thanks for sharing!
Happy to help! I hope one of my tips helps you in some way. It’s all about making small changes, consistently, until they become second-nature!
I have a bulging disc and really need to implement some of these tips!
Keep at it!
Love this! I’m a teacher, and a lot of this looks like options we have in the classroom for flexible seating. Great picks!
I wish I had flexible seating when I was in school! That’s so awesome!
Now I’m really kicking myself for not getting the sit-to-stand desk that I was looking at. 😣
There’s no time like the present! Go get one!
We just got a standing desk. It really does help! I feel much better when I work while standing too. It helps me think clearly. These are all great recommendations!
That’s one of the best parts of a standing desk! Enjoy yours!
I personally could do with some of these products and I need to correct and possible re-align my posture
Good posture is incredibly important. Start by incorporating one new thing into your routine!
These are great! I wonder if the ball chair has different heights. I need to check that out! Thanks!
I’m sure they do. The ones from Gaiam have the option to purchase an additional chair leg extenders!
I have been considering a Varidesk for a while now, so maybe I need to look more seriously at them! I sit all day at my full-time job and then blog in the evening…
You should definitely make that investment! They’re great!
Fantastic tips! I need to remember this as I am spending more time blogging and sitting!
It’s so important to keep your posture and your body in mind!
With age our body starts sagging and drooping a bit. Yoga definitely helps and I practice it on a regular basis. I will check these sites mentioned by you.
Yoga is great! Enjoy!
The standing desk looks interesting. I’ve seen those before and I’d definitely consider something like that.
Definitely recommend it. I’m saving to get a real one, instead of the piles of books and boxes I have right now!
I sit on an excercise ball while working. It’s my favorite trick to fix the posture.
That’s awesome! Keep at it!
I need this! I hear the Varidesk is great.
I’m saving up to get one!
Where has this article been my whole life! This is definitely super useful for full time bloggers like myself. Thanks for putting this together!
Happy to help! Just remember to take things one step at a time!
As a yoga instructor, I endorse these recommendations. 😀 I’ve been looking into a standing desk. These inexpensive options are great!
Thank you so much!
I do need to work on my posture. Thanks for the suggestions
Just take things one step at a time! You’ll get there!
I need to try that yoga ball chair. I have tried the cushion, our is called a wiggle seat, but it did not work. An exercise ball does not help me stay straight either, so the chair might be my next step.
Sometimes you have to try and see what works with you. If a seat-type thing doesn’t work, then I really recommend trying something like Yoga with Adriene!
I need to consider getting a few of these. I have really bad posture considering how much time I spend on my computer.
Just take it step by step! Incorporate one thing at a time until it becomes part of your routine, and you’ll get there!
All the products you recommended look really helpful. I never gave much thought to get something that would make the sitting for hours a day more comfortable. Even the most comfy chair can get tiring. Thanks for all these great product ideas!
– Heidi Hourani
It’s something many people forget about (even myself – I just reminded myself to sit up straight, again). And all it takes is simple steps and changes to get it into your routine!
This is fabulous info!!! I use flexible seating in my classroom and began thinking about my own desk chair. I think a yoga ball would be great!! I will need to come back to your post and get an order ready. Thanks for sharing the links!
I wish we had flexible seating when I was in school. I probably would have focused better. A yoga ball is definitely a great choice!
Great product recommendations! I am definitely going to pin this and get back to this post later to purchase one of those! 👍🏻😊
Thank you! Enjoy!
Great article! I have terrible posture, so I’m excited to try out some of these products! Who knew bad posture could have such an effect on you?!
I had NO idea until I realized how many issues I had with my spine. Definitely important to keep it healthy!
I’m constantly telling my daughter to check her posture! These are really cool things to try, especially the seat disc. I may look into getting one of those.
I definitely recommend the disc! It’s great and really comfortable!