Get Moving More and Sitting Less for Joint Health

by Kevin Smith Author

If you sleep eight hours a night, exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day, that still leaves you 15 or more hours per day to be doing whatever else you do. Chances are pretty good, especially if you have a desk job, that you’re spending most of your remaining waking hours of the day sitting down. Whether you’re working or just watching reruns on TV, here are some things you can do to ensure you take proper care of your muscles and joints. Taking care of your muscles and joints will help ensure that you don’t have to see an orthopedic in Atlanta in your near future.

Set a Timer

Particularly if you’re feeling overwhelmed with life, it can be easy to forget to do simple things like get up and move around. It’s often so much easier for people to just sit and relax while you watch a show, eat snacks, take your meals in front of the TV or computer, etc. However, these activities won’t do your body any good. Set a timer for yourself on your watch or your phone to remind yourself to get up and walk every 30 to 60 minutes or so. You don’t have to do a lot, but a few minutes every hour will do wonders.

Work Out During Commercials

If much of your day is spent watching TV, get up off your rear end and get active during commercials. You don’t have to make it a big to-do, but marching in place, swinging your arms, doing jumping jacks, or walking steps are all things that are significantly better for your joints and muscles than loafing.

Take the Long Way Whenever Possible

When you’re out running errands, and have the option of parking super close to the place you’re going or across the parking lot, choose the further away spot. When you come to a set of elevators, opt for the stairs. It won’t take a lot of extra time and your body will thank you. If you happen to live close enough to some errands, consider walking or riding a bike rather than driving.

Be Aware of Your Posture

Just sitting so long every day might not be nearly as bad except most people have bad posture to boot. Try to always be aware of how you’re sitting. Set a timer if you have to that reminds you to assess your sitting situation and realign your spine so that it’s straight rather than curved and hunched over.

When you’re experiencing joint pain for any reason, whether you think it’s a result of sitting for extended periods or not, finding the right orthopedic in Atlanta is vital for your health.