Fitness: Could "Adult Tummy Time" be the fitness hack we all need?

"Tummy time" is what it's called when babies are deliberately placed on their tummies so that their head, neck, and torso muscles can develop properly. This is an important step in their development that we as adults don't really need anymore – because ideally, our muscles are strong and well-developed at this age.

In reality, however, things are often different, as most of us spend a lot of time looking at our smartphones, tablets, or laptops. This means we bend our heads forward, placing a lot of strain on our neck muscles. This can lead to tension and pain (hello, smartphone neck!).

Fitness: "Adult Tummy Time" to combat smartphone neck

To counteract this problem, wellness professionals have (re)discovered "tummy time" and declared it the fitness hack of the moment on TikTok under the term "Adult Tummy Time." Since most of us spend a lot of time in an unhealthy head position, our necks desperately need this stretch while lying on our stomachs.

Unlike many other social media trends, which are often viewed critically by experts, "Adult Tummy Time" is quite popular with experts. "When we lie on our stomachs, we automatically have to hold our heads up," explains physical therapy physician Zach Smith to Health.com. "This can strengthen the neck muscles, creating a supportive structure for our neck and throat." It also lengthens the neck, rather than the compressed position we adopt with so-called "tech neck."

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Physical therapist Joseph Hribick is also enthusiastic: "This method is becoming increasingly popular among adults as it's a way to counteract the amount of time we spend sitting, slouching on the couch, or hunched over phones and computers," he adds. "Adult Tummy Time" is used to relieve unhealthy posture and tension in the upper back. It's not for nothing that the prone position is reminiscent of various health-promoting yoga poses, such as the cobra or sphinx.

What experts say we should pay attention to during "Tummy Time" for adults

In general, it can be beneficial for us to occasionally lie on our stomachs on the couch or perhaps even on the floor, rather than half-slumped with our heads bent down on the back of our bodies. However, there are also people who should be cautious with this position. This applies, for example, to people with lower back problems, as this is severely compressed during the "adult tummy period." This can cause pain and generally feel uncomfortable. Pregnant women should also be careful, as they obviously shouldn't—or can't—lie on their stomachs, especially later in pregnancy.

In general, Joseph Hribick recommends spending a maximum of 30 minutes of "adult tummy time" per day on your stomach. "Staying in this position for too long can lead to neck and lower back pain." But if you want to do something good for your neck and upper back, you might want to spend at least a few minutes a day surfing the web on your stomach instead of further promoting smartphone neck. Or maybe even put the phone aside and pick up a book instead.

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