We sit too much and for too long.
Sitting in front of a computer for hours is bad for the spine and posture. However, many of us have no choice. We were not “designed” to sit for these lengths of periods as we were, of course, previously more active hunter gatherers. It’s not to say that we do not work hard for our food in modern days, we do (oh yes we definitely do!) but not in the same sense.
How to maintain a reasonable regime? To avoid issues? Few tips from my own experience:
First and foremost, Swim! Swim! Swim! I do not particularly like swimming, but I treat it as a necessary evil. During my recent pregnancy, swimming was the only option and it definitely did the job. It exercises many important muscles in the body and is the best exercise there is (at least in my opinion…).
We sit too much and for too long. Sitting in front of a computer for hours is bad for the spine and posture.
Secondly, Walk! Walking at least 20 minutes briskly three times a week or more. After at least 10 hours in the office, all I want is to just come home, have a nice shower and something to eat… I had to find a way to accommodate this exercise. So I opted to walking back home from work, which took around 30 minutes, and as I was so eager to get home, walking briskly came naturally:-) (I also used the opportunity to make phone calls and chat through the walk…). We are all busy and tired, so best thing is to try and walk everywhere that is within a walking distance…
Thirdly, Consider a sitting break every 30 minutes? There are actually applications that can be downloaded, to remind you to take a break and get up and walk around the office, if possible.
We are all short of time and most of us are just too tired at the end of the day to exercise, so the best thing is to try and incorporate basic exercise into our daily routine.
Finally, Pilates! But a caveat is required as the Pilates instructor must be a professional, otherwise it can only cause issues. Pilates exercise concentrates on strengthening the abdomen muscles which support and protect the lower spine. It also helps good posture which is an essential element to keeping a healthy back. Having experienced Pilates classes around the World, small groups are the best, as you want the instructor to supervise your action and attend to your special needs. This is especially important if you are a starter. Later on, when you know what you should and should not do, you can opt to bigger classes which are usually cheaper.
We are all short of time and most of us are just too tired at the end of the day to exercise, so the best thing is to try and incorporate basic exercise into our daily routine. Take few classes, get to grip with the basics and just keep doing them when walking, laying on the sofa, doing the dishes, etc. Register to the swimming pool and one weekly class, if you pay for it, you will usually force yourself to do it… I always find it difficult to get myself going, but after, I feel just great.
So just think of the outcome and do it!
