Static Postures Vs Breaks
Muscles are like "engines" that (in life) are never switched off. Typically, for every muscle that pulls one way there is another to pull back. Just like a car engine we rev them higher to work them harder. There are 2 different postures that we adopt when carrying at every day tasks (dynamic and static). The most problematic one is believed to be static posture where we are working under a condition in which our muscles are tensed and held tense such as gripping a mouse or sitting at your desk for long periods. When are muscles are tensed for long periods, they become tired, much the same way a car runs out of petrol after a long journey.
So why not consider this… take a break!
You wouldn’t drive an 8 hour journey without a break or filling up the tank - so why do we insist on sitting at our desk without having one? We are after all creatures of habit. So lets set the trend!
Under the DSE regulations we should be taking a 5 minute break for every continual hour of PC use. It doesn’t have to be exactly 5 minutes, just as long as you are regularly moving away from your desk . This will encourage an efficient blood flow around the body and offer you the chance to stretch the muscles and joints.
How Will It Help?
Active Sitting has started to emerge throughout offices. The types of chairs (such as the RH Logic and Herman Miller Embody) that promote active sitting typically allow some freedom of movement that encourages you to assume a more dynamic posture. These chairs will tilt in such a way that it follows and conforms to the movements of you body. This in turn offers huge benefits:
• Promotes a healthy blood flow, bringing important nutrients to your spinal structures
• Encourages use of the back support, giving your spine it’s natural curve
• Encourages an even pressure distribution under the thighs
• Encourages varied movement to prevent static postures
• Promotes an overall feeling of comfort, relaxation, and ability to focus productively
Sitting is BAD…Movement is GOOD!
