Sit less, move more

Sitting:

•    Alters metabolic function

•    Causes decrease in bone density

•    Reduces insulin efficiency

•    Alters enzymes responsible for regulating cholesterol

•    Alters and harms blood vessels

Many jobs require you to sit and work at a computer. There are only so many options for mobility during the day.

1. Change your sitting position throughout the day. Lean forward, lean back, lean side to side. There is not a single posture that’s the best posture while sitting, because all of them are damaging.

2. Use a standing desk and alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Standing too much in one position can still be problematic for your knees, hips and low back.

3. Sit on a balance disc. They are inexpensive and you can sit them right on your chair. Even using it sporadically throughout the day is beneficial. We carry something called the Back Vitalizer in our office that can also be used like this and is easy to travel with (it deflates which is great for airplane travel).

4. Use a yoga ball if it’s not distracting to your co-workers. Using it sporadically is best because of people getting fatigued and a yoga ball can magnify postural problems if there are some.

5. Take frequent breaks and move as much as you can during them. If you are working from home, you could get more creative.

6. Use a treadmill desk and walk very slowly while working.

7. Use talk to text to do emails. Make sure to review your emails first for mistakes before sending! This is something I utilize often to reduce the amount of time I’m sitting at a computer. 

If you sit at a desk, consider seeing a chiropractor for an evaluation to avoid long term wear and tear on your back from sitting. Kehres Health & Chiropractic has 6 offices in mid-Michigan including Saginaw (Saginaw Gratiot Road and Saginaw Towne Centre Road), Bay City, Midland, Mt. Pleasant and Clarkston.