Do you suffer from “sitting syndrome?” For many of us, sitting in a desk chair at a computer for eight hours a day is a reality. And all that sitting and hunching and typing can take its toll on your neck and spine, which can affect mobility in the rest of your body. We can’t always change our work environment, but we CAN CHANGE how we interact with it. Pilates can help reverse the effects of “sitting syndrome” by creating space between the vertebrae of your spine and building the support muscles around it, helping you sit taller comfortably.

Look at the answers to these commonly asked questions to find out how Pilates can help you – at work.

Q: Why is sitting for long periods of time bad for me?

A: Sitting is one of the most unnatural positions for your body, especially if you sit in an unhealthy way – your low back rounds, your upper back rounds, your head juts forward (just look around at your colleagues!) Your spine endures unnecessary pressures and your muscles (especially the large thigh and glut muscles) go into a “turn off” mode ultimately leading to an overall unbalanced body with upper back/neck discomfort, tight hips (ie-hip flexors and hamstrings), weak gluts and the list goes on.

Q: Why do I feel really uncomfortable in my chair in the afternoon?

A: Your body is getting tired – lack of oxygen, ‘shutting down’ of your muscles/metabolic system.

Q: Because I sit all day, could my chair be causing my neck and back pain?

A: Yes and no. If you are able to sit properly in a poorly designed chair then you may avoid the neck and back pain you inflict on yourself when sitting with poor posture. An ergonomically designed chair will definitely help but you still need an awareness of proper posture and an increase in movement.

Q: Can I learn to sit with better posture?

A: Yes most definitely. It’s a matter of learning the basics [why, what and how] and applying them.

Q: Could my workplace environment be affecting my long-term health?

A: You are probably logging in atleast 40 hours or more a week – that’s a lot of time. So yes, your workplace environment will definitely have an effect on your body and mind.