What is the Opposite of Sitting?

 What did you think of? Let me guess… Standing?

You’re on the right lines, but the reality is, you have just swapped one static position for another. Neither of which is ideal for long periods when we consider the setting of an office or in the home.

The opposite of sitting is when you actually reverse the flexion of the spine, hip, knee and ankle, open and lengthen the body and take it into extension through movement.

And what is this special movement that is the opposite of sitting? Its walking!

Walking reverses the effects of sitting by, not just taking the joints to a neutral position like in standing, but moves them in the opposing ranges, and takes the body from a static position to a moving one.

As you know, prolonged sitting is not good for the body. The neck and back aches, the shoulders tense up and flexibility and strength ebbs away. But did you know evidence shows it also causes brain fog, reduced circulation and varicose veins, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, even some cancers.

Walking, on the other hand, engages multiple muscle groups and joints throughout the body. It increases blood flow, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts metabolism. Research has consistently shown that regular walking can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It also enhances mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Don’t get me wrong, if you’re in an office environment or stuck inside and walking isn’t available to you, standing up is still a good option. It is better than a day sitting, and alternating a standing desk with sitting maybe the only movement opportunity for you.

I think the very vast majority of complaints that I see in practice are related to people living in an environment that calls you to sit in chairs, be that an office chair, car seat or sofa, which leads to some very debilitating alignment issues. Even the most ergonomic of chairs and desk set ups will not solve this. We are just not designed to sit, propped in beautiful chairs or slumped on a kitchen chair for prolonged periods

In our day to day lives, there is very little stimulus or cue that means we would naturally choose an alternate position.

So, to encourage more walking or motion in the day try to make it easy for yourself by giving yourself lots of new habit-forming cues and reminders. Such as:

1.        Leave your trainers or walking boots in a highly visible spot

2.        Leave out a mat, resistance band or skipping rope

3.        Save my YT movement break video https://youtu.be/Oae8PLGOOWM

4.        Set a timer to remind you to do the exercise or take a walk

5.        Make a regular time and date with a friend for a walk

6.        Create a floor sitting nook to encourage a variety of different positions even when at rest

All it takes to walk is just takes a pair of good shoes and a willingness to move. Every step will move you from the static to the dynamic, and better well-being, improved resilience and healthy longevity.

Don’t forget to check out the 5 mins exercise video that simulates the benefits of walking for when you can’t get out or away from the desk. Find it on the SOP YouTube channel and the SOP website.

Emma Wightman
www.the-sop.com