Adding a cushion to your office or gaming chair might cause more problems than it solves. As a therapist and posture specialist, I understand the appeal of adding a cushion to your office or gaming chair. After all, who doesn’t want a little extra comfort when they’re spending hours sitting at a desk or gaming? But while it may feel good in the short term, adding a cushion can often do more harm than good.
ANTHROS BLOG
June 6th, 2025
How Poor Sitting Could Be Making It Worse
If you struggle with constipation, you might be surprised to learn that your sitting posture could be a major culprit. Many people focus on diet, hydration, and fiber intake but overlook one critical factor: pelvic floor function
Your pelvic floor muscles play a key role in bowel movements, and the way you sit—whether at your desk, in the car, or even on the toilet—can significantly impact how well they work.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) occurs when the muscles in the pelvic region become too tight, too weak, or uncoordinated, leading to problems like constipation, incomplete bowel emptying, and even pain while trying to pass stool.
If these muscles don’t relax properly, they can prevent the body from having an easy, natural bowel movement.
For many people with PFD, chronic straining, prolonged sitting, or poor posture can make constipation even worse.
1.
Slouched Posture Increases Abdominal Pressure
Sitting in a slouched or hunched position compresses your abdomen, putting excess pressure on your intestines. This can slow digestion and make bowel movements more difficult.It also causes the pelvic floor muscles to tighten rather than relax, making elimination even more challenging.
2.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Weak Core Muscles
If you sit with your pelvis tilted forward (common with chairs that lack support), your lower back arches excessively, leading to pelvic floor imbalances. Over time, this can weaken your deep core muscles, which work in coordination with the pelvic floor to aid in proper bowel movements.
3. Perching on the Edge of Your Seat
Many people unknowingly perch on the edge of their chairs, especially when using stools, hard office chairs, or even exercise balls. This lack of support forces the pelvic floor muscles to work harder to stabilize the body, leading to tension and dysfunction.
4. The Wrong Sitting Angle on the Toilet
Yes, even the way you sit on the toilet can impact your ability to go. Sitting at a standard 90-degree angle (as most toilets encourage) creates a kink in the rectum, making elimination more difficult. Squatting or elevating the feet with a stool helps straighten this pathway for smoother bowel movements.
1.
Use a Chair That Supports Healthy Posture
A good chair should provide lumbar support, promote a neutral pelvic position, and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor. The Anthros chair, for example, is designed to support the lower back and encourage a neutral pelvis, helping to prevent the chronic tension that contributes to pelvic floor dysfunction.
2. Maintain Proper Sitting Posture
3.
Use a Squatty Potty or Footstool When on the Toilet
Raising your feet slightly while on the toilet helps mimic a more natural squatting position, reducing strain and allowing the pelvic floor muscles to relax.
4. Get Up and Move
If you sit for long periods, make it a habit to stand up and stretch every 30-60 minutes. Hip openers, gentle squats, and pelvic tilts can help keep these muscles relaxed and functional.
5. Work with a Pelvic Floor Therapist
If constipation due to PFD is a recurring issue, a pelvic floor physical therapist can provide exercises and relaxation techniques to improve muscle coordination.
Many people don’t realize how much their sitting posture affects their digestive health. If you suffer from chronic constipation, evaluating your sitting habits—at your desk, in the car, and on the toilet—could be the missing piece in your relief strategy.
Supporting your body with the right chair, proper posture, and pelvic-friendly habits can make a world of difference.