2008 Woodie Awards
For health's sake, take a stand against sitting
Laura Ledger
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
lnl601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Lifestyles
Whether it is in a car, at a desk, at the table or relaxing in a chair, sitting has become the primary position of the modern world. For a student, even more time is spent seated.
Studying and lecture time demands this strenuous position of the body for hours in an inadequate chair. Sitting may seem like a harmless, normal aspect of life, but it is not natural to sit for such prolonged periods of time.
Our ancient ancestors had a healthier, physically active lifestyle. Sleeping was about the only time they were off their feet.
Modern humans, on the other hand, have become weak sluggards in the conquest for comfort and convenience. Seats with backs, including couches, are the worst for encouraging bad posture. Back rests weaken core muscles by supporting them, and they encourage people to slump and obtain a chronically bad form.
It is important to realize that with weak core muscles, a person's entire body and life are affected. Pain, overall weakness and bad posture are just some of the health risks related to too much sitting. Yet, there stands a solution to the problem of sitting, but it becomes a choice of lifestyle. You should choose to reject a sedentary life by moving your body whenever you have the chance.
Choose to stand, squat or walk over sitting, although you should never keep the same position for too long. Always allow your body to naturally sway when standing.
Drive only when necessary, making sure that the hip rests above the knees, and not to lean back in the seat. It helps to park away from the designated place so you are forced to walk farther. Walking to classes will also make a difference.
Try squatting and resting your elbows on your knees when you are waiting or resting. Squatting helps keep you from getting hip problems when you get older.
Also, try standing when you are eating or propping your back against the wall and bending your knees. When sitting is unavoidable, make sure to sit up tall and away from any back rest with your feet flat on the floor.
It is also preferable to sit cross-legged on the floor, rather than in a chair. These few tips, if acted out consistently, will strengthen your body and give you renewed energy. So start today, and take the stand against sitting!
Studying and lecture time demands this strenuous position of the body for hours in an inadequate chair. Sitting may seem like a harmless, normal aspect of life, but it is not natural to sit for such prolonged periods of time.
Our ancient ancestors had a healthier, physically active lifestyle. Sleeping was about the only time they were off their feet.
Modern humans, on the other hand, have become weak sluggards in the conquest for comfort and convenience. Seats with backs, including couches, are the worst for encouraging bad posture. Back rests weaken core muscles by supporting them, and they encourage people to slump and obtain a chronically bad form.
It is important to realize that with weak core muscles, a person's entire body and life are affected. Pain, overall weakness and bad posture are just some of the health risks related to too much sitting. Yet, there stands a solution to the problem of sitting, but it becomes a choice of lifestyle. You should choose to reject a sedentary life by moving your body whenever you have the chance.
Choose to stand, squat or walk over sitting, although you should never keep the same position for too long. Always allow your body to naturally sway when standing.
Drive only when necessary, making sure that the hip rests above the knees, and not to lean back in the seat. It helps to park away from the designated place so you are forced to walk farther. Walking to classes will also make a difference.
Try squatting and resting your elbows on your knees when you are waiting or resting. Squatting helps keep you from getting hip problems when you get older.
Also, try standing when you are eating or propping your back against the wall and bending your knees. When sitting is unavoidable, make sure to sit up tall and away from any back rest with your feet flat on the floor.
It is also preferable to sit cross-legged on the floor, rather than in a chair. These few tips, if acted out consistently, will strengthen your body and give you renewed energy. So start today, and take the stand against sitting!
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