thumb|The human body is capable of a wide variety of positions, as exemplified by this energetic [[yoga as exercise|yoga position, "astavakrasana".]]

Human positions are different physical configurations that the human body can take. There are several synonyms that refer to human positioning, often used interchangeably, but having specific nuances of meaning.

Position is a general term for a configuration of the human body. Posture means an intentionally or habitually assumed position, and pose implies an artistic, aesthetic, athletic, or spiritual intention of the position.

Attitude refers to postures assumed for purpose of imitation, intentional or not, as well as in some standard collocations in reference to some distinguished types of posture: "Freud never assumed a fencer's attitude, yet almost all took him for a swordsman." Bearing refers to the manner of the posture, as well as of gestures and other aspects of the conduct taking place.

Basic positions

While not moving, a human is usually in one of the following basic positions:

All fours

alt=An image of a young man on all-fours in shallow water.|thumb|Young man on all fours in shallow water.

This is the static form of crawling which is a form of locomotion instinctive in very young children. It was a commonly used childbirth position in both Western and non-Western cultures, in which context it is known as the Gaskin Maneuver. This position is sometimes viewed as sexually explicit due to its association with sexual initiation or availability.

Kneeling

thumb|Inner two vertical kneeling. Outer two [[Squatting position|squatting/kneeling.]]

Kneeling is a basic human position where one or both knees touch the ground. It is used as a resting position, during childbirth and as an expression of reverence and submission. While kneeling, the angle between the legs can vary from zero to widely splayed out, flexibility permitting. It is common to kneel with one leg and squat with the other leg. One or both heels may be up when squatting. Young children often instinctively squat. Among Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Eastern European adults, squatting often takes the place of sitting or standing.

Standing

thumb|upright|Standing couple, January 1873

Although quiet standing appears to be static, modern instrumentation shows it to be a process of rocking from the ankle in the sagittal plane. The sway of quiet standing is often likened to the motion of an inverted pendulum. There are many mechanisms in the body that are suggested to control this movement, e.g. a spring action in muscles, higher control from the nervous system or core muscles.

Although the posture is not dangerous in itself, there are pathologies associated with prolonged intervals of unrelieved standing. One short-term condition is orthostatic hypotension, and long-term conditions are sore feet, stiff legs, and low back pain.

Some variations of standing are:

  • Standing with arms akimbo, that is with hands on hips, elbows pointing outward
  • Standing with folded arms
  • Standing contrapposto, with most of the weight on one foot so that its shoulders and arms twist off-axis from the hips and legs in the axial plane
  • Standing at attention, upright with an assertive and correct posture: "chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in", arms at the side, heels together, toes apart

Contexts

Asanas

Certain asana 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.

Atypical positions

Atypical positions are common to break dancing, gymnastics, and yoga, and may include:

  • standing on one leg
  • handstand
  • head stand
  • spreadeagle
  • crab position

The human body can be suspended in various stable positions, where the support is above the center of gravity. The positioning may be voluntary or involuntary.

Childbirth positions

In addition to the lithotomy position still commonly used by many obstetricians, childbirth positions used by midwives and traditional birth attendants include squatting, standing, kneeling, and on all fours, often in a sequence.

Eating in a reclining position was favored by the Ancient Greeks at a celebration they called a symposium, and this custom was adopted by the Ancient Romans. Ancient Hebrews also adopted this posture for traditional celebrations of a Passover Seder, to symbolize freedom.

Heat escape lessening position

The heat escape lessening position (HELP) is a way to position oneself to reduce heat loss in cold water. It is taught as part of the curriculum in Australia, North America, and Ireland for lifeguard and boating safety training. It involves positioning one's knees together and hugging them close to the chest using one's arms.

Medical positions

thumb|The knee-chest position

The following positions are specifically used in medicine:

Recovery position

The recovery position or coma position refers to one of a series of variations on a lateral recumbent or three-quarters prone position of the body, into which an unconscious but breathing casualty can be placed as part of first aid treatment.

Resting positions

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