List of human positions

The following are the basic recognized positions: Sitting requires the buttocks resting on a more or less horizontal structure, such as a chair or the ground.

In contrast, sitting, involves taking the weight of the body, at least in part, on the buttocks against the ground or a horizontal object such as a chair seat.

Among Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Eastern European adults, squatting often takes the place of sitting or standing.

[6] Although quiet standing appears to be static, modern instrumentation shows it to be a process of rocking from the ankle in the sagittal plane.

Some variations of standing are: Certain asanas postures were originally intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, to improve the body's flexibility and vitality, and to promote the ability to remain in seated meditation for extended periods.

[11] The biblical prophet Amos associates "those who recline at banquets" with the false sense of security among the Israelites whom he is warning to repent.

It is taught as part of the curriculum in Australia, North America, and Ireland for lifeguard and boating safety training.

A large number of resting positions are possible, based on variations of sitting, squatting, kneeling or lying.

A "straddle" or "astride" position is usually adopted when riding a horse, donkey, or other beast of burden, with or without the aid of a saddle.

The position is also used for sitting on analogous vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, or unicycles, and on furniture, such as certain types of seating, and bidets.

Forcing prisoners to adopt such positions is a method of ill-treatment used for extracting information or as a punishment, possibly amounting to torture.