Are you a desk jockey? Does the majority of your day have you sitting? Do you realize the negative effects sitting has on your body?
Sitting not only cuts off the circulation to your lower limbs but can produce all kinds of issues from your lower back, hips and all the way up to your neck and shoulders! So what can you do if your job requires long hours behind a desk or even a steering wheel?
First of all, if your sitting for long periods of time my first suggestion would be to get up and stretch at minimum every hour, this will help improve the circulation to the lower limbs. Now I know if you in that vehicle this may not be an option but there are techniques for you as well. Try shifting the position of not only your hips and legs but move your neck, shoulder, and arms around too.
Another tip for those behind a desk for long periods is the use of a stool for your feet, this keeps the blood from pooling up in your feet because they are elevated allowing the blood to circulate easily.
I usually recommend if your workplace will allow it to use an exercise ball instead of a chair, you can train your abs and lower back by simply learning to balance on the ball, hey a workout at work two things off your to-do list for the day!
How about stretching? Try grabbing your chair with one hand and with your other hand grab the opposite side of your head and pull toward your shoulder? I call this the stop light stretch because a usual stop light lasts approximately 20-30 secs the perfect time to do one side and at the next stop light you do the other! Another good stretch is to simply lean over and touch your toes, try bending your knees slightly the first time but don’t bounce let your body push your down, on your next stretch lock your knees and repeat. Interested in more stretching ideas? Watch my friend Sports Massage Leeds, Jan Adamowski.
Now by simply trying one or all of these tips, you will see a difference in how you feel by the end of a couple of weeks, trust me your body will thank you for it in the long run. I always say the proactive client is the most successful client.
Let me know if I can help you with more stretching ideas or if you’re ready to schedule a massage, call me and lets set something up!