Sitting all day at work - HELP!

ahartery9891
ahartery9891 Posts: 139 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hey MFP,

Something I've been tracking lately is how much I am physically sitting all day. I didn't think it was as bad as it was until I looked at the numbers.

On average, I am sitting for 8-10 hours a day... I work as an AV tech doing recordings with robotic cameras, I commute 40-45 mins to work and back, and I like watching tv for an hour. It doesn't sound like a lot, but I feel it by the end of the day. Now, after starting a gym regime about a month ago, I can really feel when I've sat all day - my legs get sore when I start on the treadmill. It feels a lot better after I've been moving for a while, but the first couple minutes are always the worst.

Does anyone else have this? Any advice on how to correct this?

Amanda

Replies

  • ullgetthere
    ullgetthere Posts: 96
    I know how that feels!! Here is what I suggest. Stretching is sooooo important! Stretch your arms and legs at your desk when you have a chance, it helps the circulation. Also do several reps of contracting your abs and make sure your back is straight when you do it. I bring a small ball to work (the size of a grapefruit), place it between my legs and squeez the ball with my thighs while typing. It's subtle and you'll feel great afterwards!
  • sheleen302
    sheleen302 Posts: 266 Member
    Yes, I noticed this in the first month for sure---it seemed to really be an issue in the beginning. Not as much now--I am doing more stretching, and foucsing some stretching on the hip flexors which really are wacked out when you sit as long as you and I do.
  • TheRealParisLove
    TheRealParisLove Posts: 1,907 Member
    I got rid of my desk chair and now use a swiss ball instead. At first I felt a little tired from all the micromovements on the swiss ball all day, but I'm used to it now.
  • mistikal13
    mistikal13 Posts: 1,457 Member
    I also have a desk job,but I try to stay on my feet and move around at least 2-3 hours a day while I'm on the phone, typing, etc. Is this possible for you? It will help you to burn quite a few more calories than just sitting.
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    Can you stand or do a stand/sit combo with your work? That might help... I know it helps me.
  • jillmarie125
    jillmarie125 Posts: 418 Member
    I have a desk job too. I am sitting for 9-11 hours a day. I get up and walk around my office as much as I can. Some days it really hard though. I have a medicine ball under my desk that i roll around with my feet pretty much all day. It really has helped with my leg pain. Worth a shot.
    Jill
  • RealMommyofOC
    RealMommyofOC Posts: 1 Member
    I have a very demanding desk job - which involves a LOT of sitting and looking at a computer screen. The first day I wore my pedometer to work I barely topped 2500 steps at the end of the day. Now I am consistently around 6,000.

    Here are some tips that I have noticed help.

    1. I park as far away from the door to the office as is possible so that I have to walk a little farther.
    2. I get up about every hour and walk to the kitchen to fill up my water bottle. This promotes me drinking more water, and I have to get those extra steps in.
    3. I walk to a nearby restaurant or store during lunch instead of driving. I force myself to take said lunch, as it breaks up my day.
    4. I have a dog, so I make sure to walk her a full 15 minutes, 3 times a day.
    5. I walk to people's offices to ask them questions or follow up instead of sending emails.

    Hope that helps - keep it up!
  • ahartery9891
    ahartery9891 Posts: 139 Member
    Hey guys, thanks for all your help! I was thinking about the pedometer for sure. I'm definitely thinking I need to start taking the stairs more. And I may switch my seat out for a ball, definitely better. For my job, a lot of it is recording and I can't stand up, but for when I am editing, I can take breaks and walk around :) Thanks again!

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