How poor posture impacts more than just your back

In a timely message, a new survey commissioned by Complete Pilates has found that one in three people in the UK don't realise how much posture can affect them, with many underestimating its impact on their breathing, energy levels and digestion.

Pilates is widely known for boosting posture, strength, and flexibility, yet, according to the survey, only one in ten people fit it into a normal week.

Helen O’Leary, physiotherapist at Complete Pilates, says that the UK seems to be facing a silent posture crisis where everyday habits - from desk work to dusting - are leaving the nation in long-term pain.

“When only one in three people recognise the wider health hazards of poor posture, it is no longer just a backache issue, but a growing public health blind spot,” she explains.

“The encouraging news is that we know posture is changeable, with the right guidance and small, consistent adjustments. This means we can help the UK move with greater strength, confidence and resilience.”

How poor posture affects your health

Poor posture is more than just a slouch in your shoulders - it is a systemic health issue. Beyond the visible misalignment, poor posture can lead to persistent neck and back pain, impaired balance, disrupted sleep, and long-term joint damage. Despite these effects, only one in three people in the UK is aware of the full extent of the consequences.

“Posture doesn’t just matter at your desk,” says O’Leary. “It influences muscle tone, breathing mechanics, pain sensitivity, and nervous system regulation - all of which affect sleep quality.

“If baseline muscle tone remains elevated into the evening, your body struggles to fully down-regulate. This can make it harder to relax into a deep sleep.”

Even more surprising is the impact on your breathing. Poor posture can significantly reduce your lung capacity, a serious health side effect that nearly three-quarters of the population fail to realise is linked to how they sit and stand.

O'Leary explains that slouching at your desk - staying hunched over with your head forwards - actually messes with how you breathe. This rounded position cramps up your ribs and diaphragm, making it harder for your lungs to fully expand.

Instead of taking deep, effortless breaths, your rib cage becomes restricted, and over time, you end up stuck in a cycle of shallow breathing.

Instead of seeking targeted professional advice, the vast majority of people take a DIY approach when it comes to managing postural pain. According to the survey, nearly half the population turn to stretching, while just under half reach for over-the-counter pain relief.

While these may provide temporary comfort, they often mask a deeper issue. Despite the proven benefits of corrective movement, only one in 10 people actually integrate Pilates into their weekly routine, highlighting a significant gap between feeling pain and fixing its root cause.

O’Leary notes that while high‑intensity exercise, such as running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can help, Pilates and Yoga are widely seen as the most effective practices for correcting posture. She urges people to close the gap between intention and action and start addressing your posture today.

“Motivation to change something is often reactive,” she says. “Pain is often episodic. When the pain spikes and flares, people often want to make changes. But when the pain isn't there, the urgency disappears.

“Pilates is often also seen as maintenance and a long-term commitment. Whilst HIIT and the gym can feel intense and goal-driven, Pilates is often subtle, corrective and preventative, which doesn't give the same dopamine hit that the gym does.”