The Hogtie Bondage Position mostly owes its popularity to media representation of an unconsensual hostage situation. Multiple TV shows, movies and animes have showcased this exact position as a way to immobilize someone.
And for that, the Hogtie Bondage Position, when tied securely, is a clear home run. Between the limited movement, difficulty gaining momentum to flip over, and shallow breathing, it can be difficult to escape. The extreme position, the flexibility it takes to achieve it and how difficult it is to escape is why this has become such a popular bondage position among kinksters!
Like all things sexual and kinky, however, media portrayal isn't necessarily reflective of reality. Most notably, despite how simple it looks, the Hogtie bondage position requires a lot of flexibility from the bound partner to avoid straining muscles. (Trust us, arm and leg cramps in this position are no joke!) As the traditional Hogtie bondage position also places the restrained person, face down, on top of their chest, it can also be extremely difficult (or even impossible!) to breathe -- especially when partnered with the extreme angle of the limb restraint.
Even in the best-case scenario, the Hogtie bondage position places a lot of strain on the body. The lower back and shoulders are placed in a compromised position and there's a deep stretch throughout the majority of the body. Depending on where this position is undertaken, the position of the body may also lead to unexpected discomforts -- like the hip bones, knees, and ribs pressing uncomfortably onto the ground with the receiver's full bodyweight on top of it.