We all know that a sedentary lifestyle comes with some unsavory side effects, from poor posture, to back pain to general stress on our bodies. But for many of us, sitting at a desk for 8+ hours is unavoidable, so what can we do? Here are 5 things you can do to stay healthy when you sit a lot.
1.Standing Desks: They are not just another trend. No amount of exercise can undo the damage caused by sitting to much. Just 30 minutes of less sitting a day could have a significant and positive impact. A great way to do this is a standing desk.
2. Find the right kind of chair: The chair you are sitting in could make all the difference. Big comfy chairs might feel great to sit in; however, they might also be placing you in an unhealthy posture. Try a yoga ball chair. It can help stimulate your abs and back muscles.
3. Deskercise: Sitting often means that you’re being the opposite of active. But, the promising news is that there are little ways to stay active while sitting. You can run in place while sitting, leg raises under your desk, or pumping your arms. You’ll be activating your glutes, your back, your core. And you’re waking up the muscles that don’t get active during the day.
4. Chair Yoga: Even while sitting, you can enjoy the benefits of yoga, including better breathing and less stress. Try poses like cat cow stretch, spinal twists, or forward bends.
5. Incorporate more movement into your day: Desk exercises are great, but what’s even better is incorporating standing and movement into your work day. Try walking down the hall to speak to a colleague instead of emailing the, take the stairs instead of the elevator or keeping your snack in the break room so you have to walk to get them. There are lots of great options to add more movement into your day.
