I Tried ‘Posture-Correcting’ Workout Clothes to See If It Really Improved My Performance
Feb 11, 2025, 21:23 IST
As a certified running coach and longtime health and fitness writer, I’m pretty sure I can point to the cause of it. I spend a lot of time hunched over my computer or cell phone. That can have some distinct physical effects: Prolonged sitting can cause posture changes, like the flattening of the spine’s normal curve and chronic muscle deconditioning, which can make your muscles fatigue faster during workouts, research in the journal Medicina found. Meanwhile, joint imbalances caused by poor posture can limit the movement of your muscles and tendons, which can make going through the proper range of motion that you need during exercise difficult. Not ideal!
Posture-correcting workout apparel has garnered attention for its potential to enhance alignment and performance during exercise. Brands like Forme and IFGfit have developed garments designed to promote better posture through strategic design and fabric tension.
Forme Power Bra
The Forme Power Bra employs tension fabrics and double-fabric panels to encourage the shoulders to pull back and down, aiming to improve upper body alignment. Users have reported a gentle pull that promotes an open chest and retracted shoulders, contributing to a more upright posture. Some wearers, including individuals with larger busts, have noted improvements in back pain and posture after consistent use.
IFGfit Posture Sports Bra
Similarly, the IFGfit Posture Sports Bra is engineered to draw the shoulder blades together and align the rib cage, promoting a feeling of openness in the front of the body. Users have observed that this design helps maintain better form during various exercises, potentially leading to stronger workouts and reduced back discomfort.
Expert Insights
Physical therapists caution that while these garments can serve as reminders to maintain proper posture, they should not be relied upon as sole solutions for postural correction. Dr. Victoria Sekely, DPT, CSCS, emphasizes that the concept of a single "perfect posture" is outdated. Instead, she advocates for regular movement and position changes to prevent discomfort. Relying exclusively on posture-correcting apparel may lead to overdependence and could potentially reinforce misconceptions about posture and pain.
Personal Experience
In my experience testing the Forme Power Bra, I found that it provided a subtle reminder to maintain an upright posture during workouts. The gentle tension encouraged me to keep my shoulders back, which enhanced my awareness of alignment during exercises. However, it's important to note that while the bra offered support, it did not replace the need for conscious effort and regular strengthening exercises to maintain proper posture.
Conclusion
Posture-correcting workout clothes can offer benefits by promoting awareness and encouraging better alignment during exercise. However, they should complement, not replace, traditional methods of posture improvement, such as strength training, flexibility exercises, and mindful movement practices. Consulting with a healthcare professional or physical therapist is advisable to develop a comprehensive approach to posture correction tailored to individual needs.