Why do we cross our legs?

For many of us, crossing our legs when we’re seated feels natural and comfortable, whether that’s crossing at the ankle or one leg over the other. And with good reason: in Western cultures, sitting with legs crossed is linked closely with morality and etiquette, particularly for women; conversely, in some Middle Eastern countries, it can be seen as a sign of disrespect. And it is physically easier for women to cross their legs than men, who don’t have the same range of movement in their hips.

Politeness aside, crossing our legs has a mechanical function. When we’re seated in a chair, crossing our legs serves to shift our bodies backwards, taking the strain off the lower back as our lumbar spine is more supported, hence why it can feel more comfortable.

“Crossing our legs allows our muscles to relax so it feels good,” Barbara Kerr, founder of Transform Body and Mind, tells Stylist. “It takes the pressure off the abdominals and core, so it can feel pleasant.”

In addition, some studies show that the simple movement of crossing our legs can help our brains to function better due to the ambidexterity required.

And it’s also a learned behaviour, meaning that it could be hard to break the habit. So, what’s the problem?

Could sitting cross-legged be bad for us? Why how we sit is more important than we might think