Introduction

“Sit up straight!” — you’ve probably heard that since childhood. Whether from a parent, teacher, or fitness coach, posture advice has been around forever. But where did our obsession with “good posture” actually come from?

As it turns out, our posture ideals have more to do with history and culture than actual health science. And while posture certainly plays a role in how we move and feel, it’s far from the make-or-break factor many people believe it is.

Let’s take a quick look at how our understanding of posture evolved — and what the latest research really says.

‍

A Quick History of “Good Posture”

The idea of perfect posture actually dates back to the Victorian era of the 1800s. During that time, “good posture” wasn’t about preventing pain or improving mobility — it was about social class.

Standing tall and upright symbolized nobility, discipline, and refinement. A straight back meant you were proper and respectable. Slouching, on the other hand, was seen as lazy, uneducated, or even immoral.

In short, posture was about how you looked, not how you felt.

‍

The Ergonomic Era: 1970s–1980s

Fast forward a century, and posture got a scientific rebrand. The rise of ergonomics — especially in offices and industrial workplaces — brought new rules about how we should sit, stand, and lift.

The message became:

• “Keep your spine neutral.”
• “Sit up straight.”
• “Never hunch forward.”

The problem? The research didn’t actually prove that maintaining a single “perfect posture” prevents pain or injury.

Over time, people started to associate discomfort or back pain with “bad posture,” even though the connection isn’t nearly as strong as most think.

‍

What the Science Says Now

Recent studies show that:

• There’s no one perfect posture that prevents pain.
• Slouching isn’t dangerous — it’s a natural position your body can handle.
• Pain doesn’t come from posture alone — it’s influenced by stress, movement habits, sleep, and mindset.

If posture truly caused pain, everyone who lounges on a couch or scrolls their phone for hours would be miserable — and most of them aren’t.

Pain is complex. It’s not just mechanical; it’s multifactorial. That means it involves your nervous system, environment, and lifestyle, not just your spine’s angle.

‍

The Modern View: Movement Over Perfection

Your body is resilient and adaptable — not fragile. There’s no need to chase a “perfect” posture that doesn’t exist. Instead, focus on:

• Moving more often rather than sitting perfectly still.
• Changing positions regularly throughout your day.
• Building strength and awareness through exercise and mobility work.

At Momentum Health, we help people move with confidence — not fear. Whether you sit at a desk all day or lift heavy in the gym, learning to move freely and trust your body matters far more than maintaining a textbook posture.

‍

Key Takeaway

Posture doesn’t have to be perfect — it just needs to be yours.

✅ Move often.
✅ Listen to your body.
✅ Don’t stress about “sitting wrong.”

If you’re struggling with persistent pain or stiffness, our clinicians can help you understand what’s really behind it and guide you toward smarter movement strategies that last.

👉 Book an appointment today at Momentum Health in St. John’s to learn how posture, movement, and strength all work together — for your body.

‍