Research shows that sitting has a negative effect on our posture, causing accelerated aging and needless wear and tear and on our bodies.
Specifically, sitting lengthens and weakens the gluteal muscles while at the same time tightening the hip flexors. It also lengthens and weakens the upper back while tightening the chest muscles.
Sitting at a desk and looking down at a screen also lengthens the muscles at the back of the neck and shortens and tightens the muscles in front, thus pulling the head forward beyond its natural position.
Sitting for extended periods of time also compresses the spaces between the vertebrae of the spine.
The following six exercises will help reverse these negative effects.
Cat and Cow
This helps open up a compacted spine.
- Get on your hands and knees with hands directly under your shoulders and knees directly under your hips.
Petr Svab/Epoch Times
