Handbag pros and cons

Leanne Antoine, director of Distinct Physiotherapy, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, says we tend to keep adding things to our bags, so they get heavier over time. ‘Make a point of only carrying what you really need,’ she suggests. Here’s her guide…

PROS

Small and light, carried in front or under arm. Easy to access the contents, but should be worn on each shoulder, not just one. Keeps weight close to the body and centred, as long as you don’t let the strap get too long. Distributes weight evenly. Broad straps ease pressure on the shoulders and, if you use the waist strap, it helps to keep the load close to the body.

Typically this is your more glamorous handbag, which can be switched between carrying with a straight arm or on the crook of the elbow.

CONS

Holding a clutch in front of you means you round your shoulders, leading to muscles at the front of your chest becoming tight and short and those at the back becoming long and weak.

Most of us don’t switch shoulders – we all seem to have a favourite side! The increasing load can lead to muscular and joint pain in the neck and shoulders.

Just like the shoulder bag, the cross-body bag would benefit from being switched over intermittently. Most of us overload our rucksacks and then throw it over one shoulder for convenience. Does that sound familiar? The ‘fashionista’ look might have you overloading your arm at the elbow, which will soon become quite uncomfortable.