Do you want to keep throwing? Well, straighten up!
Throwing is a whole experience, but it can also be physically exhausting if you don’t pay attention to proper posture.
Whether you’re an experienced potter or a beginner, understanding the importance of ergonomics can significantly improve your comfort, productivity, and overall well-being at the wheel.
Because we want to keep throwing, right?
Here are some tips and techniques to take care of your posture:
1. Setting up your workspace: Make sure your wheel is at the correct height. Ideally, the base of the wheel should be level with your hips or just below your waist. Use a sturdy, adjustable stool that allows you to sit at a height where your elbows can comfortably rest on the edge of the wheel, without hunching over or stretching. Keep your tools within arm’s reach to minimize excessive stretching or bending while working.
2. Body posture: Keep your shoulders relaxed while working at the wheel. Avoid leaning forward, which can damage your back and shoulders over time. Sit evenly distributing your weight on the stool. Your feet should always be flat on the ground for better stability. Keep your head in a neutral position, not excessively tilted forward or backward, to reduce neck muscle strain. And remember to breathe!
3. Hand and arm positioning: Position your arms close to your body, with your elbows comfortably resting on the base of the wheel. This posture helps reduce strain on your shoulders and wrists. Use the strength of your body (not just your hands) to center the clay (this helps avoid muscle tension). Pay attention to your body’s signals: take breaks to stretch your hands, arms, and rotate your wrists, especially during longer sessions.
4. Wheel and tool adjustments: Adjust the speed of your wheel to a comfortable level. Excessive speed can cause loss of control and wear you out, while a speed that’s too slow will make your work harder. Invest in ergonomic tools designed to reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Choose tools with comfortable handles that fit well in your hand.
Conclusion: Prioritizing ergonomics is essential to maintaining both your physical health and your creative longevity! By adopting these ergonomic principles in your wheel routine, you can improve your comfort, reduce the risk of injury, and ultimately enjoy your work at the wheel in a fulfilling and sustainable way. Remember, a potter without back pain is a happy potter!
Would you like to put all of this into practice while learning different techniques on the wheel?
We’ve got you covered: Raúl Mouro (a ceramist from a family with over 200 years of pottery tradition!) will show you all his tricks (I mean, 200 years of working with ceramics in his DNA… who else could teach us the best wheel postures???).
Happy good posture, friends.
Paula
