Do you spend most of your day sitting at a desk? A change in position is all you need to bring a little more energy to your day.
Our bodies like movement, so sitting down for long periods is not altogether natural. If you're stuck in a meeting or just haven't got time for a lap of the office, here are four simple seated positions to try. Switch through the positions throughout the day and you'll leave the office with a happier body.
1/ SIT BONES DOWN, FEET FLAT ON THE FLOOR
There are plenty of ways to 'sit' on your chair.
To sit healthily, make sure your sit bones* are pointing down, and your feet are flat on the floor.
2/ DRAW ONE LEG BACK, EXTEND THE OTHER
Again, with your sit bones beneath you, draw one leg back and rest on your toes while you extend you other leg forward, toes flexed. You'll naturally prefer to extend one leg over the other, so make sure to switch out your legs.
3/ CROSS-LEGGED
There is a healthy way to cross your legs while seated. It won't win any favours with the Queen but it will build some stretch through your hips, and score plenty of Brownie points with your body.
With your sit bones under you, place one foot flat on the floor and rest one ankle on top of your knee. You might have to move your top leg around a little to find a position that creates a comfortable amount of stretch for you.
Again, remember to switch out your legs to give both hips a stretch.
4/ ANKLE CROSSES
Finally, a nice counter to your cross-legged position.
With your sit bones beneath you to take your weight, extend your legs forward and cross them at the ankles.
Alternate your top foot.
And there you have it! A simple way to build movement into your day. I demonstrate all positions in the video above.
Enjoy.
Jen x
* Your ischial tuberosity, or sit bones, is the lower part of your pelvis. They're the bony lumps you feel if you sit with your hands under your bottom. They help to absorb your weight when you sit.
Jen Rice Fitness is based at The Well Whole Body Studios at The Tannery in Woolston. We focus on rebuilding your natural strength, movement and energy. If you'd like a private chat and a personal tour of the studio and gym - book a 20 minute introduction here.