Should we sit less?

This is a worrying figure considering our bodies are naturally designed to be up-right.

So, what can we do to help this? Should we sit less?

Aches and pains from musculoskeletal injuries are often related to our static postures. For example, if we are sat working at our desks all day, our bodies will spend long periods of time hunched over causing some of our muscles to over work and over compensate for the muscles that aren’t being utilised correctly. This can make some of our muscles weaker and less effective when we need them – often resulting in an injury.

Every time we use the wrong muscle groups for a specific action, we are risking an injury. We’re all aware of how we’re supposed to pick an item up off the floor – lift with our knees, not with our back. This is exactly so we don’t injure ourselves using muscles that aren’t designed for that purpose.

To answer the question of should we sit less? Most certainly!

First and foremost, try to be more active. Even a quick 10-15 minute walk on your lunch breaks can significantly improve your well-being. Take several small breaks to stand up and stretch while you’re at your desk to help blood flow. If you can stand up while you work, even better! Start to think about including cardiovascular physical activity, strengthening and stretching exercises into your daily routine so that you can help reduce your chances of injury.

If you would like to talk to one of our experts for advice and help, then you can use our online Ask A Physio service. Alternately, if you are suffering with and injury, why not book in with one of our therapists and get to the root of the problem before it becomes more serious. You can do so by using our messaging service on Facebook or call us on 01282 453110.