Many of us are hunched over our desks for 40 hours a week, and the rest of the time we’re awkwardly bent over our phones. If reading this makes you want to loosen up your shoulders, it’s time to improve your posture. Because poor posture doesn’t just cause temporary pain and stiffness, it can have permanent effects on your back health.
I’ve seen so many photos of myself with a terrible hunched posture (shoulders completely rounded, stomach jutting out while hips tucked back) that I wonder how anyone has ever voluntarily spoken to me in public. Good posture doesn’t come naturally to me, so I decided to do something about it.
These are the best posture correctors we’ve tried. None of these options will solve your problem overnight. It may be uncomfortable at first, but the pain should go away. Start by using it for 10-20 minutes a day and increase the time as you get used to it (follow the product instructions). If you have severe back pain, hunched back, or scoliosis, consult your doctor before trying a posture corrector.
Update July 2024: Added more information about Branch’s new favorite laptop stand and the Forme Power Bra.
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Our Research and Testing
I’ve been testing posture correctors since 2020, from gadgets and gadgets that vibrate when you slouch, to full back braces with lumbar support, to shoulder straps. With each product, I follow the instructions closely and use them daily for at least two weeks. Ten minutes a day is usually a good time to start.
Having tried gadgets that remind you to sit up straight, as well as wearing a brace that forces you into good posture, I think the former is clearly the better choice. You don’t want to make things worse by relying on something that actually weakens your muscles instead of forming new habits. That doesn’t mean a brace isn’t an option though; we’ll go into more detail on how to use one below, but give the Upright Go a try for now, and if you work at a desk, create a proper ergonomic setup.
