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Standing all day at work

chamaeleonsky
chamaeleonsky Posts: 4 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,
I'm a vet student who has spent the last three years in classes 8 hours a day with minimal exercise. Then I go home and sit on the couch to study all evening. In two months I begin clinics and will be on my feet for at least 8 hours a day. I'm worried the transition is going to kill my feet and lower back and I'm looking for things I should add to my gym routine to strengthen whatever muscles might help me be prepared for the transition. I will stretch as much as possible while standing but I'd like to know some training exercises to prevent the pain.
Thanks!

Replies

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Ab and lower back strength will help with your posture. Planks and superman’s can help there.

    When you are standing, try adjusting your position from time to time. For example, putting one foot up on an object (Captain Morgan pose), being sure to walk around some and doing some air squats from time to time.
  • bkerr30
    bkerr30 Posts: 131 Member
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    Ab and lower back strength will help with your posture. Planks and superman’s can help there.

    When you are standing, try adjusting your position from time to time. For example, putting one foot up on an object (Captain Morgan pose), being sure to walk around some and doing some air squats from time to time.

    This is solid advice. I work as a chef and also teach cooking life skills to teens so I am always on my feet, for at least 8 hours a day. The only thing I will add to this is invest in good shoes and if possible, cushioned mats (either memory foam or rubber ones) are a real back saver.
  • giantrobot_powerlifting
    giantrobot_powerlifting Posts: 2,598 Member
    edited January 2015
    I had a summer job repairing electric power meters, back then I skated and lifted, but nothing prepared me for standing on my feet 8 to 9 hours a day. The only thing that helped was standing day after day after day -- acclimating my body to it. I was still in my twenties then.

    The only thing I can suggest is start standing now.

    First an hour, then double it, then double it again and work your way up to a full day.

    Acclimate yourself to it.
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