Published by: Digital Schools
Stuck at Your Desk? ... I've Got Your Back
We as a society have become couch potatoes, don’t believe me?, just ask Benjamin Rashleigh, he is the guy who helps fix chronic back problems caused by too much cheek to seat.
Whether we are browsing the internet on a smart device or working from a laptop – most of the time, we are doing it while sitting on the couch or slumped poorly in a chair.
Too much sitting is bad enough – but sitting in a poor position is dangerous and can cause long-term health problems. Ben Rashleigh, an expert in all things – functional and postural – shares some valuable tips on how to straighten up and smarten up when it comes to sitting.
Ben Says ...
The average desk worker sits for over three-quarters of their workday according to studies conducted by the University of Queensland. Now if you are putting in the old 8-hour grind that’s at least 6 hours at work alone. So keeping ourselves moving to counteract the postural effects of static sitting is as we all know quite important, nether lone the benefits of increasing productivity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. (Which we will be chatting more about later on in the year so stay tuned!)
I can hear you say “I’m too busy to leave my desk” or “yeah, but I have a sit/stand desk”. But ask yourself once you are standing, how often do you truly move? I mean not only just walking from one end of the office to the other for whatever reason, but also think when did your shoulders get some counter-resistance movement? When was the last time you stretched out your hips and legs? Or when you last got your neck and trunk that is tightening daily to move and mobilise at the desk whether it be sitting or standing?
“I have put together exercises that can be applied at the workstation without impeding your work or breaking productivity or even leaving the desk. So you can still get that URGENT draft done for your manager by tomorrow without neglecting your body”.
Hot Tips From Ben
- Be a Mover & Shaker – When stuck on a long call and/or in need of an energizing break, do some basic strength, balance and mobility exercises, like standing up and sitting down from your chair, calf raises, standing on one leg or even the exercise in my video above.
- Make it an Event– Schedule physical activity time into your work calendar. Be sure to treat it just like any other important appointment.
- Tie yourself in knots -Most of you would be sitting on a swivel chair…. Use it to swivel your legs side to side gently while typing, it will help keep you from stiffening up. (I’m actually doing this now as I type this blog from my home office).
Guest Contributor: Benjamin Rashleigh
Business Name: Aligned for Life Pilates
Publisher: Digital Schools
About: Ben is a Pilates instructor and Teacher-Trainer for the National Institute of Pilates. He is the co-owner of Aligned for Life Pilates in Melbourne and supports the essential training and professional development for dancers and athletes in Australia. Ben is a full-time teacher at his studio in Melbourne City, (Little Bourke Street) where he teaches clinical Pilates to private clients and small groups during the week.
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