Staying on your feet could be important to your health!

At Live Active, we stay focused on emerging trends and information that can help our patients and improve their lives. In this weeks blog post, we wanted to explore some information about how sitting and standing can impact on your body.

60 mins recently aired a special segment presenting new research findings on the dangers of sitting for long periods of time. There are problems caused by sitting that can lead to increased health difficulties. We know that living a sedentary lifestyle can be a major contributing factor to health problems later in life.

With new technology making our lives that much easier every day, we are sitting down and being inactive for longer periods of time than ever before.

At Live Active, we acknowledge the obvious health and wellbeing benefits of standing more and sitting less in the workplace. By keeping on your feet when possible, you can take advantage of a number of benefits.

Less contracture of hip flexors, hamstrings, anterior shoulders and neck is certainly a big one. In addition, standing rather than sitting engages and exercises your glutes!

Here are some ways to stay on your feet!

1. Schedule regular breaks

You would be surprised how much of a difference you can make by scheduling mini breaks. You could try timing yourself to get up and stretch your legs or walk across the office every 45 minutes. If you’re a fan of the Pomadoro working technique, you’ll know that sticking to timed bursts of work could even make you more productive.

2. Look into a Standing Desk

These have become popular in the United States, but haven’t yet picked up much steam here in Australia. These desks are elevated to be higher than normal and intended to be used standing up, which ensures that you stay off that chair! These aren’t for everyone however, and shouldn’t be used too constantly, as remaining on your feet and stationary for an entire work day could cause muscle pain.

3. Head out on your lunch break

If you’re sitting down at work, don’t keep sitting at lunch! If you can get away from the chair for 30-60 minutes in your lunch break, you’ll at leat be offsetting some of the day. Eating your lunch standing is another great option, and will give you a chance to stretch out as well!

But!

As with everything related to the body however, you have to exercise some caution. It is important to ensure your body’s alignment doesn’t expose you to aching feet and calves, as well as lower back and neck pain. The key to standing is one our parents have been telling us for years: watch that posture!

Live Active biomechanics podiatrists and chiropractors can help you make the transition.

We know that walking and exercise are good for us, provided we have the function and structure that is ‘ready’ for it. Typically our bodies need to be symmetrical, aligned, stable and mobile for them to be able to cope with our daily activities more proficiently and with minimal stress on the system. A check up with the team at LA is essential to ensure proper function and structure of the lower limbs and spine, miminising the effects of our lifestyle, as well as performance enhancement with sports!

If you want to leave your chair behind and Live Active, make sure you get in touch with us now!

p: 02 8073 3337
e: info@liveactiveclinic.com.au