Sitting for long periods can slow down metabolism which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and breakdown body fat.
Please stand up to read this…
CPW Director and expert personal trainer, Johnny Harrison said: “I speak to so many people that are going to the gym three, four, five times a week. This is fantastic and they will get so many health benefits, but can they negate the effect they are having on their bodies from sitting all day?
“The answer is no.”
We need to go and stand. It is important to move more throughout the day. There seems to be a trend to purchase ergonomic equipment, but it is ultimately down to the person. To improve posture and prevent injuries we need to change habits.
“I was chatting to a CEO today,” said Johnny. “He had changed his outlook on the workplace and was almost bouncing around the office.
“He has started to have walking meetings, cut down on caffeine and is drinking more water. Three simple things you can change tomorrow and benefits from.”
We all have certain daily ‘habits’ that we can look to change.
What could you change?
Please do your weekly stretches. Try them once at least each week and see if they make a difference.
During our recent DSE ergonomic assessments with various companies, we have adjusted lots of workstations but also prescribed important stretches to support these changes. One way to stand more is to do your stretches while standing.
Standing stretches to try at work:
- Calf stretch with hands on the wall. This stretch can improve circulation and help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and increase venous return.
- Chest stretch hands on the door. Holding a door frame with your hand and slowly turning your body as far as feels comfortable. This stretch is great for easing tension in the neck and shoulders.
- IT band and hip stretch against a wall. Stand side-on to the wall and take the hand that’s furthest away from the wall up over your head towards the wall, pushing your hip out. This is great for releasing tension around the pelvis and reducing lower back pain.
Hopefully, the reasons behind these stretches will help motivate you to do them. If nothing else, stand up every 30 minutes and push your hips through, make a funny noise and the stretches may follow. 
So going back to the opening statement, focusing on the health risks. Are you motivated to stand regularly during the day and walk around more?
The last part of the opening statement focuses on weight management, mainly fat loss. Getting up out of your chair and moving about will especially help with this. Going to the gym after work isn’t enough, the damage is done. If you have a goal to manage your weight or lose body fat you need to stand and move more at work.
Johnny added: ”I have seen the intensity of some workplaces. I understand it’s tough when you have a deadline or you are engrossed in your work, but does any of that really matter if your back is damaged, your knees are weak and your fitness isn’t how you would like it?”
Not only is this article scientifically based it uses the real-life experience gained from working with corporate clients.
Stand more, stretch more and reap the rewards.
If you would like a video of the stretches please complete the contact form.