In today’s life, we do a lot of sitting. Whether it is the chair in our workplace or the seat of our car, we spend much time with bodies immobilized on various surfaces. The comfort factor linked to chairs is clear and hard to ignore. Yet, this sedentary way of living could be bad for our well-being. Sitting for long periods, such as when working in an office, can cause back pain and lead to problems with blood circulation. Research has also shown that sitting too much raises the risk for chronic diseases like diabetes. Introduce active sitting, a groundbreaking method to – yes, sitting. It’s not about completely discarding chairs (even though standings desks are currently popular for a purpose! ), but rather it focuses on adding movement and involvement in the essential task of sitting itself.
Interested? Now, we will look more deeply into the realm of active sitting. We will study its main ideas, the advantages it provides and if this is suitable for you.
Unveiling the Mechanics: How Active Sitting Works
Now, what is the actual difference in experience when you try active sitting as compared to a regular chair? The main idea here is about gently urging your body to keep a more energetic posture. This can be done with the help of different tools and methods:
Chairs for Special Needs: Not just any chair will do. Active seating promotes ergonomic changes such as kneeling chairs, balance balls, and wobble stools. These chairs usually have a round base or seat that is slightly tilted, making your core muscles work while you keep balance.
Exercise Balls: Do you recall those bouncing balls that were a part of your gym class in childhood? They have their role in active sitting as well! Blow-up exercise balls can be utilized as an alternate chair, making your center and leg muscles work extra hard to maintain balance.
Standing Desks with Perching Stools: This method works in two parts. When you use a desk that can be adjusted to different heights, you mostly stand at it. But when you need to take a break and sit down sometimes, the perching stool comes into play. Usually, this stool has a small seat and does not have any backrest. It makes it hard for people to slouch or lean on something while still keeping their core slightly engaged at all times.
Active Seating Accessories: If you can’t buy a whole new chair, there is no problem! You could put active seating accessories on your current chair. For instance, lumbar supports or inflatable discs create a little instability and encourage some core activation.
Active sitting is beautiful as it motivates gentle, small movements during the entire day. These movements assist in:
Enhance Position: Active sitting, which involves using your core, supports a better position of the spine. This can lessen slumping and decrease back discomfort.
Boost Blood Flow: The continuous small movements in your core and legs assist in maintaining a healthy blood flow, crucial for general wellness and enhancing concentration.
Enhance Core Muscles: A robust core is the base for proper posture and steadiness. Active sitting engages these core muscles all day, resulting in improved strength and enhanced equilibrium overall.
Improve Cognitive Function: Research has suggested that any amount of movement can enhance cognitive function and attention. The gentle involvement of active sitting could provide a small push to your mind’s productivity.
Is Active Sitting Right for You? Exploring the Benefits and Potential Drawbacks
Although active sitting has many advantages, it may not be the perfect answer for everyone. Here are some things to think about before you try it:
Your Present Health: It is always wise to consult with a doctor or physiotherapist before beginning active sitting if you have any pre-existing back or joint issues. They will guide you on the most suitable method and any necessary modifications for your condition.
Your Job: Active sitting can be a good match for an office setting, but some jobs may not fit well with it. If you need to lean forward or stretch frequently in your work, using a balance ball or kneeling chair might not be very feasible.
Your Body’s Tolerance: Similar to beginning any exercise routine, it is important to pay attention to your body’s reaction. Begin with short periods of active sitting and gradually increase the time as you grow accustomed to this position. Some discomfort in the initial stages is expected, but if there’s pain involved then take a break and consult with a professional.
Making the Switch: Tips for a Successful Transition
Prepared to start active sitting? Keep these suggestions in mind for a comfortable changeover:
Start Gradual: You should not quickly change all your chair habits to active sitting in one go. Start with small periods, maybe 15-20 minutes at first, and slowly make them longer as your body gets used to it.
Body Signals: Also, observe how your body is reacting. If you feel pain or tension, stop and modify your posture or chair.
Choose the Perfect Match: Each active seating option does not have an equal effect on everyone. You must try various chairs and add-ons to identify what suits you and your body type best.
Making the Switch: Tips for a Successful Transition to Active Sitting (continued)
Maintain Good Posture: Remember, active sitting doesn’t mean you can slouch! Even if you have an ergonomic chair, it’s crucial to keep a good posture by holding your shoulders back and engaging your core.
Include Movement Breaks: Active sitting is great, but it doesn’t take the place of regular movement breaks. Stand up and walk around for a little bit every hour or so to stretch your legs and improve blood flow.
Have a good time!: Who says ergonomics cannot be enjoyable? Choose an active seating variety that you find fun. From vibrant exercise balls to smooth kneeling chairs, a hint of character can help active sitting become an enduring practice.
A Final Word
Active sitting is an interesting tactic to counteract the harmful impacts of a sedentary way of life. By including micro-movements and focusing on your core while sitting, you can enjoy numerous advantages such as better body posture and blood flow, enhanced mental function and a firmer core.
Don’t forget, it’s all about finding what feels right for you. Begin at a slower pace, pay attention to your body and try out various active seating choices. With some dedication from your side, sitting can change from being harmful for health into something positive for overall well-being. Well, it’s a simple and easy way to keep your body active while you sit. Why not give it a attempt?
