Slouching Posture
Posted On: April 25, 2011
Comments: 4 Responses
Comments: 4 Responses
Slouching is good for you!
Maybe I’m stretching the truth a little bit. It’s not that slouching is good for you or that even any one position is good for you. If you have got a eye on that £500 chair, I’d think twice-waste of money.
Do you ever wonder why kids fidget constantly? It’s because they know what’s good for their central nerve systems. So that is what you have got to do. We want you fidgeting.
So it really doesn’t matter what kind of chair you have. If you have a really comfortable £500 office chair, you are going to stay stuck in one position and your back is not going to like you very much.
So fidget! Better yet, get a Swiss Ball and sit on that. See you soon.
Hi Paula,
There are a lot of issues to touch in regards to computer work! Regular neck, or eyes exercises, posture, uncross our legs, etc… Also ergonomics to minimize the pain (how do we need to set ourselves up in front of a screen? Is is different for a laptop and for a desktop?)
Thank you.
Raphaelle.x
Hello Raphaelle, thanks for the question and a good one it is! So couple things here: yes always uncrossed legs. There is a theory in neurology that crossed legs are a lazy neurological posture. Ever notice is takes more energy to keep your legs uncrossed?? So better for your brain to uncross (or so the theory goes and I believe it to be true). Simple neck exercise to do every 45-60 minutes is this: Sit right up then turn your head as far right as possible, take your opposite hand and place on your cheek and push the neck gently a further 10-20 degrees and hold the stretch for 5 seconds. Repeat to the opposite side. Then let head drop forward for 5 seconds and then look up at the ceiling (head back) for 5 seconds. Always this should be done slowly and gently (and repeat 5 times) and not if you have any long standing neck complaints (see the chiropractor first). Look out for the simple laptop stretch video (coming to an office near you!! very soon). Paula
Hi Paula
I’m really enjoying your videos, and the helpful tips. Can you help me with an answer to the following:
I work at home and spend all day sat at my computer. What quick exercises can I do during the day to keep from hunching up and getting stiff?
Thanks, Frances
Hi Frances
Thanks for your question and a great one too. Forgive me if this sounds really obvious but few things I recommend.
1) fidget (never stay still as per video ‘slouching’
2) stand every 60 minutes and place your hands in the small of your back and extend backwards into a deep stretch and hold for 30 seconds and repeat
3) inch forward onto your chair and do ten GREAT BIG shoulder rolls backward (really get into it)
4) place hands on your head and reach with one elbow up to the ceiling and hold for 5 seconds and then the other elbow so you feel a stretch in mid back
Try these and let me know how you get on.
Paula