Why Your Posture Isn’t the Problem—And What You Should Focus on Instead

“Sit up straight.”
“Fix your posture.”
“Don’t slouch.”

We’ve all heard it—and if you’re dealing with back pain, stiff shoulders, or a tight neck, it’s easy to blame it all on “bad posture.”

But here’s the thing:
Posture isn’t about staying frozen in the perfect position—it’s about how well you can move between positions.

In other words, it’s less about what your posture looks like, and more about what your body can do.

The Problem with “Perfect Posture”

Trying to hold yourself in a “perfect” upright posture all day often leads to more tension, not less.

Why?
Because your body doesn’t want to be locked into one position. It wants variability—the ability to move, shift, adjust, and respond to your environment.

If you’re constantly bracing, tensing, and forcing yourself to sit “just right,” your muscles fatigue, your joints stiffen, and your nervous system stays on high alert.

What I Focus On Instead

When I work with clients here in Montreal, I’m not coaching them to “sit straighter.” I’m helping them build postural control—your ability to move well, support your body, and feel good doing it.

Here’s what that usually includes:

✅ Breathing and core control – This is the foundation for relaxed, adaptable posture.
✅ Mobility where you need it – Especially in the hips, spine, and ribcage.
✅ Strength through range – So your body feels supported and confident as you move.
✅ Awareness – Tuning into how you sit, stand, and move—not just trying to stay rigid all day.

When your body feels strong, supported, and capable of moving well, it naturally finds better posture without you having to force it.

A Few Things You Can Try Today

🔹 Take short movement breaks—even 2–3 minutes makes a difference
🔹 Pay attention to your breath—are you breathing with your chest or your diaphragm?
🔹 Move through positions—stand, reach, rotate, shift
🔹 Strength train—especially through the core, hips, and upper back

These small things add up—and they help take the pressure off having to “fix” your posture all the time.

Still Dealing With Posture-Related Discomfort?

If you feel stiff, sore, or tight after sitting or standing, and stretching or trying to “sit better” isn’t helping, I can help you take a different approach.

I work with people here in Montreal to improve movement, build strength, and feel better in their bodies—without obsessing over perfect posture.

👉 Book a session or reach out if you want to figure out what’s really behind your discomfort and how to move forward.