Get up and move!

I just came back from a 2 week holiday which included a week in London where I walked a lot and took public transit. I walked for hours and hours and at the end of the day felt tired but great at the same time. I didn’t have any back pain, or neck or  shoulder tension all of which many of us experience after a day of work because of prolonged sitting at the computer. This holiday didn’t include sitting at a desk or working on the computer!

Feeling great while walking!

My work doesn’t involve a lot of sitting; I transition between sitting and standing while teaching group Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® classes or giving private Functional Integration® lessons.  But I definintely sit more than I did when on holiday and I don’t feel as energetic.

Periodically pieces appear in the media extolling the benefits of an active lifestyle over a sedentary one. Studies link activitiy with better health and wellness as measured by many indices as well as with longer longevity.

Many times I suggest to my students that they set their alarm and stand up from their desk every 15-20 minutes. Stand and move a bit or walk for a couple of minutes; even a 2-3 minute break from sitting is good. Do some pelvic clocks or shoulder movments and breathe!

There are many easy ways to sit less and move more. Here are just a few:

  • Take a phone call while standing.
  • Walk stairs instead of taking the elevator.
  • Park two blocks from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
  • Take public transit when possible
  • Work at your computer while standing.

Right now I am going to take my own advice. Going outside for a brisk walk!