Proper lifting technique is essential for potters to protect their backs from injury when handling heavy clay blocks, full kilns, and equipment. Moving heavy objects without the right form strains the lower back and leads to chronic pain. Follow this simple 5-step ergonomic guide from The Aligned Potter to build strong lifting habits and keep your studio practice pain-free.

Click here to find the free Joints Inventory. This inventory serves as a guide for potters to assess joint positioning, either sitting or standing, while working. Joint alignment can reduce strain, minimize injury risk, and enhance long-term sustainability in ceramics.

This short video looks at positioning the body while setting up at the pottery wheel.

A hip flexor stretch and short review of 5 recommended stretches for potters.

A wrist stretch and a back stretch for potters.

Extra tips to help with lifting for potters.

Lifting things to/from high shelves

Tips on carrying and setting down heavy objects

Advice on Lifting Objects off the Ground

Considering what potters lift -- it's a lot!

John Glick, Sciatica, and Standing Wheels