Netflix Bum: Why It’s Time to Start Caring for Your Body All Year Round
There’s no denying the appeal of curling up with your favourite series, bingeing through episodes with barely a stretch or snack break in sight. But what if we told you that this seemingly harmless habit might be affecting your body in ways you haven’t considered? Welcome to the not-so-glamorous world of Netflix bum – a modern condition with very real consequences for your health, posture, and skin. Known medically as gluteal amnesia, this growing issue is a by-product of our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. It’s not just about losing tone or definition in your bum (although that’s part of it); it’s a whole-body wake-up call that goes much deeper.
Let’s break it down – and more importantly, learn how to care for your body from the inside out, all year long.
What Is “Netflix Bum”?
Netflix bum is the casual name for gluteal amnesia, a condition where the gluteus medius muscle – the one that supports your hips and keeps your lower back stable – essentially switches off due to lack of use. It sounds dramatic, but it’s increasingly common thanks to long hours spent sitting: at a desk, on the sofa, in the car, or during endless Zoom calls.
When you sit for long periods, especially in a slouched position, your glutes aren’t being activated. Over time, they weaken, forcing other muscles – like your hip flexors, hamstrings, and lower back – to overcompensate. This muscle imbalance leads to strain, stiffness, poor posture, and even pain or injury.
Some signs of Netflix bum include:
- Numbness or tightness in your glutes and hips
- Aching lower back after long periods of sitting
- Loss of tone or definition in the bum
- Reduced mobility or stiffness when walking or stretching
The longer this continues, the more difficult it becomes to restore normal function and balance – unless you take proactive steps to reverse it.
The Bigger Picture: Why Caring for Your Body Isn’t Just a Summer Thing
Too often, we treat self-care like a seasonal project. The moment the sun comes out, we rush to exfoliate, moisturise, and tone up. But once the autumn jumpers are back in rotation, it’s back to neglect mode.
But your body doesn’t care what season it is. It needs movement, nourishment, and skin support every single day.
Netflix bum is a perfect example of what happens when we only focus on appearance. Instead of trying to “fix” your body for summer, what if you cared for it consistently? That means:
- Taking regular breaks from sitting
- Building gentle strength and mobility routines
- Applying high-quality skincare to nourish and boost circulation from the neck down – not just your face
The truth is, our bodies work hard for us, and they deserve better than once-a-year pampering.
The Forgotten Skin: Why Body Care Matters
Here’s something most people don’t realise: your skin from the neck down is just as vulnerable to ageing, dehydration, and environmental stressors as your face. Yet we rarely give it the same level of care.
Body skin is often thicker and drier, especially on areas like the legs, bum, and arms. It’s also subjected to more friction (from clothes, sitting, workouts), yet we tend to overlook it completely – until we spot stretch marks, sagging, or cellulite.
If you’ve been experiencing rough skin, loss of firmness, or increased sensitivity, it might be your body asking for better support. And luckily, skincare has evolved to meet this need.
A Pioneer in Body Skincare: Rewarding Body Balm
At Twelve Beauty, we’ve always believed that your body deserves the same high-performance actives as your face. Back in 2007, we broke new ground by launching Rewarding Body Balm, one of the very first body care formulas to harness serious skincare science.
This rich yet fast-absorbing balm combines:
- Spent grain wax to lock in hydration
- Buddleja extract for antioxidant protection
- Hyaluronic acid to improve elasticity and smooth texture
Unlike standard body lotions that simply coat the skin, Rewarding Body Balm works at a deeper level, helping to improve skin resilience over time. Think of it as a training programme for your skin: consistent use leads to stronger, more supple, better-looking results.
So, if you’re starting to see the signs of Netflix bum, from sagging skin to reduced tone, this balm is an excellent first step in your comeback routine.
Targeted Support: Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil
When it comes to supporting circulation, skin firmness, and lymphatic drainage, few products work as hard – or as luxuriously – as Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil.
This lightweight, fast-absorbing oil recently underwent a 28-day clinical trial with 20 women aged 18 to 65 who had cellulite stages II and III. The results speak volumes:
- Significant increase in skin elasticity after just 4 weeks
- Improved skin firmness and visible reduction in cellulite-related changes
- 85% of participants reported relief from tired, heavy legs
- 90% said their skin felt noticeably softer
- 100% enjoyed the scent and overall sensory experience
What makes this oil truly special is its dual function. It’s both a sensorial treat and a scientific powerhouse. Whether you’re massaging it into your thighs to ease that heavy-leg feeling, or using it post-shower to boost hydration, you’re actively helping your skin recover from the effects of inactivity – including Netflix bum.
It’s also a powerful tool in encouraging lymphatic movement – essential when trying to undo the sluggish effects of prolonged sitting.
From Sedentary to Strong: Reversing Gluteal Amnesia
The good news? Netflix bum isn’t permanent. With consistent movement, the right body care, and small daily adjustments, you can restore function, rebuild muscle tone, and revive your skin.
Some simple things you can start doing today:
- Take micro-breaks every 30 minutes to stand up and stretch
- Walk during phone calls or meetings
- Swap one daily sitting session for standing (at your desk, while watching TV, etc.)
- Practice conscious glute activation when walking or climbing stairs
- Hydrate inside and out – water and quality skincare both matter
By addressing both the muscle and the skin elements, you’re not just undoing the cosmetic side of Netflix bum, you’re protecting your long-term physical wellbeing.
Recommended Exercises to Combat Netflix Bum
Ready to reawaken your glutes? Tackling Netflix bum doesn’t mean signing up for bootcamps or punishing your body. It’s about smart, consistent movement – and avoiding some common mistakes that could be holding you back. Here are three key tips, as shared by personal trainer Mateo Ottavi, to help you tone up safely and effectively:
1. Cardio alone won’t cut it - add weight training
Endless cardio won’t do much to sculpt your glutes. To truly activate and tone the muscles, you need resistance. Choose weights suited to your level and increase gradually. The goal isn’t to push your legs to the point of muscle failure – especially your quads – but to wake the muscles up and build strength with control.
2. Alternate upper and lower body
Switch between exercises targeting your legs and those working your shoulders or arms. This keeps your heart rate up and challenges your entire body, encouraging more efficient fat-burning and full-body engagement.
3. Stay active outside the gym
Take the stairs. Go for walks. Stand up regularly if you’re working from a desk. And don’t skip carbs – especially after training. They’re essential for helping your muscles recover and giving you the energy to stay consistent.
These may be simple rules – but stick with them, and real toning will follow.
While “Netflix bum” might be a tongue-in-cheek term, the lifestyle behind it is no joke. Don’t wait for summer to take action.
