Choosing a Posture Corrector Like a Pro

Back support devices come in all shapes and sizes, which can make choosing a posture corrector tricky. From braces and straps to posture apparel and smart wearables, it’s not always clear which device is right for your body and lifestyle.

We caught up with Chief Posture Officer at Upright, Dr. Pamela Peeke, to get her expert opinion on the subject. An internationally renowned physician, scientist, and thought leader in the fields of integrative and preventive medicine, Dr. Peeke knows a thing or two about the effects of posture on one’s health and wellness.

See why the UPRIGHT GO 2 is preferred by posture pros.

Choosing the Right Posture Corrector

Let’s unravel the various types of posture correctors and find out Dr. Peeke’s top pick for 2020.

What should you look for in a posture corrector?

This is something you’re going to be using on a daily basis, so you want one that’s easy to wear. You shouldn’t have to start fumbling around every time you put it on or take it off. Back braces and belts tend to be a bit fiddly, whereas smart posture trainers like the UPRIGHT GO 2 are much easier to put in place. Equally important for all-day wear is comfort. Be sure to choose a solution that doesn’t restrict movement or interfere with your day-to-day activities. Again, braces and belts are known to be relatively cumbersome and, depending on their material, may irritate sensitive skin types. Also, bear in mind that you’ll be wearing it under your normal clothes, so you’ll probably want to choose a more discreet option like the GO 2.

Operating a posture corrector should be very straight-forward and require little to no learning curve. Look for one that makes it easy to measure success. The UPRIGHT app, for instance, lets you view all your stats in one place, so you’re not left guessing about your progress. The data is well presented and simple enough to be understood at a glance. Of course, from time to time, you may have questions about using your device or need help troubleshooting problems. The more reputable manufacturers, like Upright, will offer easily accessible customer support via live chat or email.

Another thing to ask yourself when choosing a posture corrector is whether it’s capable of producing sustainable results. Does it teach you how to maintain good posture on your own, as in the case of the GO 2, or does it encourage total dependence on the device itself? Only one of these options is conducive to long-term success and it’s not the latter.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to choose an affordable option that pays for itself over time. The right posture corrector can save you a small fortune in expensive chiropractor fees and/or pain medication.

Why are posture correctors important?

When someone tells us to correct our posture, we do so. However, within 30 seconds or less, poor posture creeps back in. Why? Because our bodies are so accustomed to slouching, it has become second nature. And let’s face it – it’s much easier to give in to gravity than fight it all the time. But fight it we must if we want to live healthier, happier, more productive lives.

That’s where the smart posture trainer really shines. This ingenious little device keeps us mindful of how we hold our bodies, like a guardian angel on our shoulder telling us right from wrong. It’s a welcome reminder to correct our posture as most of us lack the self-discipline to do so ourselves.

How does correcting your posture improve your health?

Maintaining correct spinal alignment is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. What does good alignment look like you ask? It’s sitting, standing, and walking without slouching. It’s avoiding crouching down to pick things up.

In addition to relieving neck and back pain, good spinal alignment provides a number of significant benefits.

It increases lung capacity, allowing more oxygen to reach vital organs such as the brain. Cognitive performance is enhanced as a result, leading to a surge in productivity. All that oxygen-rich blood coursing through your veins decreases incidence of stress and depression too.

Other areas to benefit from posture training are the various muscle groups. A stronger core means less risk of falling and injuring yourself. At the same time, it gives your neck, shoulders, back, and glutes (aka the “posture muscles”) a workout, keeping them in peak condition.

Practicing good posture even affects your outward appearance, making you look taller and slimmer while bolstering your self-confidence.

Are there any types of posture correctors to avoid?

I wouldn’t recommend any posture corrector that falls short of the criteria I mentioned earlier. Or one that doesn’t result in the successful retraining and strengthening of the mind and body to maintain better posture.

I would stay away from cervical traction devices as they compromise neck alignment and tend to be more expensive. I’m also not a fan of posture braces because they only offer passive support, which encourages you to be lazy. You’re much better off with a posture corrector than helps you to consciously develop new habits.

Which posture correctors or brands would you recommend?

My current go-to posture trainer is the UPRIGHT GO 2. This is by far the most technologically advanced solution out there and, more importantly, it actually works. The device tracks the position of your body using multiple sensors and emits a gentle vibration when it detects slouching. This real-time feedback is crucial for a fast learning curve and healthy habit formation.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, by now you’ve realized that investing in a good posture corrector is investing in a better quality of life. The myriad benefits to your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing make this one of the most worthwhile purchases you’ll make. Striving for perfect posture is something we should all be doing, regardless of age or level of fitness. And that starts with choosing a posture corrector that’s right for you.

The UPRIGHT GO 2 checks all the boxes, making it the only posture corrector you’ll ever need. Get yours today and see for yourself why experts like Dr. Peeke rate it so highly.