(HealthDay is the new name for HealthScoutNews.)
(HealthDayNews) -- Why do people cross their legs after they sit down?
Spine has the obvious answer: It's more comfortable.
Researchers at Erasmus University in the Netherlands investigated the effect of leg crossing on different muscles. They found that even though sitting seems more comfortable than standing, the sitting position places extra strain on the abdominal muscles. Crossing your legs relieves part of the strain on the abs, so you're more relaxed.
And the study found the same effect, no matter which way your legs are crossed.
