Aching Back

Okay – so you’re lucky enough to have a job. That IS GREAT news!

And you may think you’re lucky to have a “desk job”.

Enjoy it, but please BE CAREFUL!

Sitting for long periods of time is HARD on your body.
“Excessive sitting is a lethal activity,” says Dr. James Levine, Mayo Clinic.

• It strains the back.
• Metabolism slows.
• Good cholesterol decreases.
• Increases risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Lose your desk chair
• Stand at your desk – obviously you need to get a standing desk.
• Get an exercise ball – sitting on it requires more energy and uses your back and abdominal muscles in a way that chairs don’t.
• Buy a $4,000 treadmill desk? See the NY Times article; link below.

• Move around A LOT!
• Program your watch, cell phone, or computer to beep at certain intervals to remind you.
• Stand up when you talk on the phone or are reading hard copy.
• Visit co workers instead of calling or emailing. Get them to walk around or outside the building with you. Have your meeting walking.
• Take short walk breaks several times a day.

Based on the following very recent articles:
The Antidote to a Sedentary Desk Job, Kurt Elder, Competitor December 2011.
A VERY limited supply is available in J’s BIG GYM and it will be posted on the large blue triangle.
E Zine
NY Times