Hi Everyone!
It is well known that work tasks involving prolonged static positions, such as sitting at the computer or standing for long periods, can lead to increased risk of injuries. The issue is the sedentary and static nature of the tasks. When muscles are asked to do repetitive and small movements for many hours without interruption, the blood flow through the muscles becomes sluggish, which increases the risk of injury or inflammation, as well as increasing the perception of pain.
Moving the major muscle groups and increasing the rate of blood flow through the body helps to negate any problems related to repetitive tasks and static positions. By maintaining muscle activity, you can reduce heightened pain perception, improve concentration – which assists with increasing productivity – and therefore lower the rate of mistakes made by workers completing repetitive tasks.
For maximum benefit, your heart rate should increase, and your major muscle groups should be moved regularly every 30 minutes.
Some tips to get you moving at work include:
* Climb the stairs rather than using the elevator
* Take a brisk walk to talk to a colleague up the corridor rather than email
* Run on the spot for 30 seconds
* Place the waste paper bin at the end of the room so you must hop up to get to it
* Alternate between a standing desk and sitting desk.
Hope this is helpful,
Deb
