Sitting on the couch in front of the TV for hours, sitting on a chair for long while at work or even spending a lot of time in their car regularly is quite destructive to our health if not taken seriously.
It can lead to health problems like metabolic disorders, high blood pressure, obesity and back pain.
When you decide to move around or even sit up straight often, your abdominal muscles usually make the effort to keep you upright, but when you slump in a chair, your abdominal becomes unexploited and being in this position for a while will take its toll on you.
Also, repeated extended sittings and sitting positions put the hip flexors in a much more tightened and shortened position therefore leading to them becoming overworked and stiff.
So then, how do we fight off the effects of extended sitting especially if it’s a bit hard for you to change your working conditions, environment or daily schedule at the moment?
An article on Eve recommends various ways in which we can be safe and healthy.
Making small movements is one of the best ways to start. Move around often. Also, get up and stretch once in a while. Try out these simple yet effective yoga inspired stretches. For best results, do them at least twice a day by holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds, the article says.
Cobra Pull; Target: Lower Back, hip flexors (muscles that get very tight and stiff from being bent in a seated position)
This stretch opens the chest, strengthens the back and stretches the hip. Lie facing down with your body resting in one straight line. With your arms at shoulder level, press your forearms into the floor and pull your shoulders back as you raise your head up and bend your back backwards.
Sit legs crossed; Target: Butt
This stretch help your butt relax and maintain its flexibility. From a seated position, cross your left ankle over right thigh. Use your left hand to apply a bit of pressure to the inside of your right knee, then slightly lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in your left butt.
Now hold this stretch as you inhale. When you exhale, try to apply a bit more pressure as you lean an inch further forward into the stretch. Switch sides and repeat.
