Sit up at the table!
Brian March 10th, 2009
Remember when mom used to yell at you for slouching at the kitchen table? Well, maybe there was some well intentioned meaning behind it. Anyone who sits for long periods of time knows that we eventually resemble the hunchback of Notre Dame when we finally stand up.Â
Here are some of the problems associated with sitting:
- Shortened hip flexors; this can cause lower back pain and poor posture
- Rounded (excessive kyphosis) upper back which can cause problems as we age
- Head position assumes something like this:
Some remedies for postural problems from prolonged sitting:
- If you have to sit for a prolonged period try to get up every 30-60 minutes for a five minute break to walk around
- Stretch your hip flexors daily. Like this:
| The Hip Flexor Stretch:- | |
Start Position:-Â  |
Action:- |
- Use posterior pelvic tilt crunches to strengthen the abdominal muscles
These are just a few of the problems associated with sitting for prolonged periods. Hopefully this will get you started on the path to better posture and functionality.
In Health,
Brian Ramage