Ever heard the phrase, “sitting is the new smoking”? Well, it’s not completely true. See, smoking is never good for you, regardless if you smoke one cigarette or two packs a day, it is always a poor health choice. However, sitting can be good for you ! For example, if you just walked 2 hours straight or if you are feeling lightheaded.
While this saying may not be entirely accurate, there’s truth in the fact that excessive sitting can lead to discomfort and health issues, especially for desk workers. This is why many people attribute their pain and injury to excessive sitting.
Well, because we tend to do too much of it. If you look at the biomechanics and functional anatomy of sitting, you will find that a lot of our joints and body parts are put in flexion - meaning that our body is in a bent position.
You bend your ankles, your knees, your hips, oftentimes - your low back and upper back. Now, if you have a desk job and you’re typing on a computer, your elbows, wrists, and fingers are also bent. All this bending happens for many hours a day and doesn’t require any actual muscle strength (since the chair supports you).
In this blog post, we will share our favourite 10 minute exercises routine that you can incorporate into your routine, to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Please keep in mind that those exercises will never be as good as the one given by a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist can perform a complete assessment of your flexibility, strength, and function and tailor each exercises to your specific goals. If you’re experiencing persistent low back pain or any other disconfort, it might be time to check in with a physiotherapist to address any underlying issues. If you’re in Calgary and in need of a physiotherapy appointment, look no further than PhysioBooking.ca.
Hip flexor stretch
Low back extension
Glute bridge
Standing hip extension
Incorporating these gentle exercises into your daily routine can help alleviate low back pain and stiffness caused by prolonged sitting. However, if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, it’s essential to seek guidance from a physiotherapist. If you’re in Calgary, visit Physiobooking to book your appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free life. Your body will thank you!