Believe it or not, there’s a new bathroom trend that’s quietly gaining popularity—using the toilet while facing the tank. While it might sound strange at first, a growing number of people are flipping their seating position and sitting forward instead of the traditional backward posture. But why are people doing it? Is it just a social media stunt, or is there actually a method to the madness?
As it turns out, there are some surprisingly practical and even health-related reasons behind this unusual bathroom habit. In this article, we’ll explore why more and more people are turning around on the toilet—and why you might want to give it a try too.
What Does It Mean to Use the Toilet Facing Forward (the Tank)?
Traditionally, people sit on the toilet facing away from the tank, with their back toward it. But in this alternative method, users sit on the toilet facing the tank, much like how you would sit at a desk or a bench with a backrest in front of you.
Though it sounds unconventional, this position is being praised for offering benefits that range from improved posture to increased convenience. Some even claim it’s more natural for the body in certain situations.
1. Better Bowel Movement Positioning
Believe it or not, how you sit on the toilet can significantly impact your digestion and bowel movements. The modern toilet is not always designed with human anatomy in mind.
By turning around and sitting forward, some people report:
- Less straining
- Easier elimination
- A more comfortable angle for the digestive tract
Sitting forward can slightly change your pelvic angle, which for some users mimics the squatting position—a position that’s known to help ease constipation and improve bowel movements naturally.
Bonus tip: You can rest your elbows on the tank or place a pillow or book for support, making the position more relaxed than you’d think.
2. It’s Easier for Eating… Wait, What?
This part might sound weird—but it’s real. One of the viral sparks behind this trend came from social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where people jokingly said they enjoy eating meals on the toilet… while facing the tank, using it as a table. While this is mostly said in humor (we hope!), it highlighted how the toilet tank could be used as a small shelf.
While eating on the toilet is not something most people would recommend for hygiene reasons, the idea of having a place to rest things like a phone, tablet, book, or even toiletries made people reconsider the usefulness of facing forward.
Fun fact: Some even put a cup of coffee or a small book on the tank and treat their bathroom break like a mini retreat.
3. Less Splashback and Mess
Some users report that sitting facing the tank helps reduce the chance of splashback—especially for males who sit while urinating. Since the angle changes slightly, there’s less chance of urine hitting the inner rim or splashing upward.
Additionally, having more control over your position means:
- Better aim
- Less cleaning
- Fewer hygiene issues
This can be especially helpful for people with limited mobility or kids who are learning proper toilet hygiene.
4. It’s More Comfortable for Pregnant Women and People with Certain Medical Conditions
For pregnant women, sitting backward can relieve pressure on the lower back by allowing them to lean forward slightly and rest their arms on the tank. The same goes for people suffering from:
- Lower back pain
- Hemorrhoids
- Digestive problems
By turning around and having something to lean on, the experience becomes more comfortable and less physically demanding. This can reduce strain and offer better support overall.
5. A Nicer Spot to Sit for Longer Bathroom Breaks
Let’s be honest—many people spend a lot of time in the bathroom scrolling their phones, reading articles, or just relaxing. Facing the tank gives you a surface to rest your arms, your phone, or even a magazine.
If you use the bathroom as your quiet escape, this new position offers a new level of comfort. It’s no surprise that people who spend 10–15 minutes in there want a better way to sit and relax.
6. Trend Driven by Curiosity and Humor
It’s also important to recognize that part of this trend is being driven by curiosity, experimentation, and online humor. People on platforms like YouTube and TikTok often try new, quirky trends and challenges just to see what all the fuss is about.
But surprisingly, many end up liking it. Once people realize there’s actually some logic behind it, they’re more likely to continue trying it, especially if they find it works better for them.
Is It Really Better? Experts Weigh In
While most doctors haven’t officially endorsed this method, some gastroenterologists and physical therapists say that anything that encourages less straining and better posture on the toilet can be helpful—especially for those dealing with digestive issues, pregnancy discomfort, or chronic constipation.
The key takeaway is: if it feels better and works for you, it’s not wrong—even if it looks unusual.
Should You Try It?
If you’re curious or have issues like:
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty relaxing while using the bathroom
…then yes, it might be worth giving it a shot. Just make sure to clean the tank regularly if you’re going to use it as a resting surface. You might discover a new level of bathroom comfort.
Conclusion:
The idea of sitting on the toilet facing forward might sound silly at first, but it actually makes more sense than you’d expect. From reducing strain to improving comfort, minimizing splashback, and even giving you a mini shelf for your book or coffee, this quirky trend is turning heads for good reason. Whether you’re looking for better posture or just a more relaxed bathroom break, turning around might be the unexpected bathroom hack you didn’t know you needed.
