TikTok Trend: Expert Opinions
- Inspired by pediatricians' recommendations for babies, adults on TikTok are now embracing "tummy time," claiming it can alleviate "tech neck" and improve posture.
- Jason Snibbe in Los Angeles said adult tummy time strengthens muscles on the back of the body, which are critical for posture and spinal stability.
- Heather Jeffcoat, a physical therapist in Los Angeles, added that the exercise straightens the spine, counteracting the forward curve from prolonged phone or computer use.
Tired of tech neck? TikTok’s latest wellness trend, adult tummy time, is generating buzz.experts say this exercise can alleviate tech neck and improve posture by strengthening back muscles and counteracting the effects of prolonged screen time. This isn’t just a social media fad; doctors and physical therapists suggest it aligns the spine and relieves pain.News Directory 3 provides insights, including how to perform tummy time correctly and potential benefits. Discover what’s next for this simple yet perhaps effective remedy.
Adult Tummy Time: Can It Really Relieve Tech Neck?
Updated June 08, 2025
Inspired by pediatricians’ recommendations for babies, adults on TikTok are now embracing “tummy time,” claiming it can alleviate “tech neck” and improve posture. but can this trending exercise really help?
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Snibbe in Los Angeles said adult tummy time strengthens muscles on the back of the body, which are critical for posture and spinal stability. Pain management specialist Dr.Leia Rispoli at DISC Sports and Spine Center in Newport Beach, Calif., agrees, noting it can ease stiffness.
Heather Jeffcoat, a physical therapist in Los Angeles, added that the exercise straightens the spine, counteracting the forward curve from prolonged phone or computer use.
What is Adult Tummy Time?
Adult tummy time involves lying on your stomach,propped up on your elbows,with a slight arch in your back,according to rispoli. You can also raise your arms, legs, upper body, and trunk while keeping your abdomen on the ground.
snibbe said that hunching over devices puts pressure on neck and upper back muscles, causing tech neck. Tummy time can improve shoulder and neck posture while building strength.
Rispoli said the position replicates what physical therapists often suggest to align the spine, build strength, relieve pain, and improve posture.
Jeffcoat explained that being propped up on your elbows improves spinal mobility and stretches abdominal muscles and hip flexors, which tend to tighten with prolonged sitting.
How to Do It
To perform adult tummy time correctly:
- Lie on your stomach on a mat or the floor.
- Prop yourself up on your forearms.
- Lift your legs and arms off the ground.
- Keep your neck aligned with your spine.
- Engage your abdominal muscles.
- keep your eyes straight ahead.
- Avoid excessive back arching.
Rispoli advises starting with short intervals,such as 10 to 15 seconds. Stop if you feel pain. Jeffcoat suggests holding the position longer if it feels cozy.
Snibbe said tummy time can benefit most people. However, avoid it if you have back or neck pain, or a recent injury. Never push through pain, Jeffcoat warns.
Other Strategies for Tech Neck Relief
Snibbe suggests other exercises to improve neck range of motion and strengthen neck and back muscles:
- Rows with weights or resistance bands
- Pull-downs with weights
- Planks
- Lying on a foam roller with arms to the side
- Using a foam roller on your upper back
these moves open the chest,improve posture,increase versatility,and build strength,according to Snibbe and Jeffcoat.
Tummy time is one exercise that can help ”offset the daily hours of poor posture that we all end up doing,” Rispoli said.
What’s next
If tech neck persists, consult a doctor or physical therapist for personalized advice.