A Word from Rowan...

In today's society with technology becoming rampant and computers one of the most common working tools in the world, the awareness of correct sitting posture is becoming more and more important.

The correct sitting posture is one that is forever changing. The reason for this is that by changing your sitting posture every 15 to 20 minutes you spread the loading on the various tissues of the spine (the tissues of the spine include the muscles, ligaments, discs and vertebrae).

By sitting in an upright position for too long you will cause strain to the large paraspinals muscles which run up the back.  By sitting in a slumped position for too long you will cause strain to the ligaments of the spine and this can potentially contribute to a lumbar disc injury.  A slumped sitting posture will also cause the extensor muscles of the spine to atrophy and become weak. Therefore moving between an upright and slumped seated postition regularly is least damaging on our spines.

A Word on Swiss Balls...

It is a common thought nowadays that sitting on swiss balls at your leisure or at a desk job is best for you due to the constant activation of your abdominal muscles and lower back muscles as you are forced to hold a very upright position.  However, using a swiss ball as a chair for 8 hours a day has the same result as sitting upright in a normal chair all day...and it can cause muscle fatigue and injury.

My recommendation is that if you enjoy using a swiss ball as a chair, then alternate the ball with a normal chair every hour.  Five years down the track your spine will thank you for it!!!

Sit well and move often.

If you have any further general questions please don't hesistate to email us on gym@bodysynergy.co.nz

Alternatively if you would like to email me directly with a question or concern please feel free to on rowan.ellis@bodysynergy.co.nz