Allowing your arms to hang comfortably at your sides is what would be included in a neutral posture.

What “neutral posture” means

Neutral posture is a body position where joints are in their natural, resting alignment so there is minimal stress on muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. In this position, the spine keeps its natural S-curve, the head is balanced over the shoulders, and the body feels relaxed rather than strained.

Key features of neutral posture

  • Arms hanging comfortably from the shoulders, close to the body, not reaching or tensed.
  • Shoulders relaxed, not hunched forward and not pulled rigidly back.
  • Elbows bent roughly 90–110 degrees when working at a desk, with forearms in a handshake-like position (thumbs up).
  • Head facing straight ahead, not tilted forward, back, or to the sides.
  • Back in its natural S-shape, without twisting or side bending.

Hunching your shoulders forward or locking your knees would move you away from a neutral posture and increase strain on your body.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.