Why sitting is the new smoking

From home to work, the average person sits down for a large portion of their day, be it in the office, the car or in front of the television.

A recent study revealed that long term sitting can be just as bad as smoking, so it is time to get up.

“Our bodies were made to move,” said Ballito chiropractor Hardus de Beer.

“You need to move as often as possible, so if you sit for long periods of time, you need to make time to get up and do back stretches as well as going for a short walk to get some fresh air.”

Another study suggested that long periods of sitting may possibly be associated with increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

TashB Pilates instructor Lillian Beales said as with most addictions, habits are formed through repetition.

“When we sit we instantly relax. Our muscles become inactive and we slump into the easiest position available,” said Beales.

“In doing so we compress our vital organs and we put unnecessary strain on our joints and our energy levels decrease.”

Beales said when sitting for long periods, circulation to the lower body decreases.

“Through Pilates, we encourage the strengthening and flexibility of long, lean core muscles,” said Beales.

“Ultimately we want to empower our clients with the knowledge of good posture, and the skills to perform daily functional movements.”

Being a chiropractor, De Beer said good posture puts the least amount of strain on your spine.

“Maintain a good posture by strengthening your core. Stand and work at your desk for ten minutes every hour, and get a good chair with lumbar support,” advised De Beer,

Beales also gives an example for you to try at home to promote flexibility and circulation.

Stand up straight, place one flexed foot on top of the kitchen counter, drawing your belly button back into the spine.

Bend your upper body over your leg, keeping your arms parallel to the floor.

Take a few deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth three times before repeating with the opposite leg.

TashB Pilates is offering 10 readers the chance to visit them at their Ballito studio for a complimentary postural assessment and Pilates session.

Send an email with PILATES in the subject line and include your name, surname and contact details in the mail to biancav@northcoastcourier.co.za to win!

Competition closes on Sunday, February 1.