Question for people with desk jobs...

jadedone
jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
edited November 10 in Fitness and Exercise
So for those of you with desk jobs. Do you have any tips on keeping up good posture and engaging your core when sitting at your desk?

I struggle with this. After a little while, I check and realize I am sitting horribly. I am sure this doesn't help at all. How do you keep up with sitting up straight?

Replies

  • danicamper
    danicamper Posts: 44
    I have a desk job and fortunaly my key board is on an adjustable tray so I have it as far up as it goes so that I have to reach a little bit. It seems to work to remind me that I need to be aware of my body position. If you dont have an adjustable tray try sitting closer to your desk so if you slouche you will touch your desk and will be reminded to sit up straighter.
    -D
  • abbeyl11
    abbeyl11 Posts: 73
    Believe it or not, I actually tried standing up at my desk this morning for a little while. Obviously I can't do it all day, but I found myself way more productive in the time that I was standing up first of all, and I could tell that my body was more engaged over all. I probably looked ridiculous standing around doing paperwork, but hey...laugh if you want...they won't be laughing when I'm skinnier than them will they!?!?
  • bikermike5094
    bikermike5094 Posts: 1,752 Member
    a lot of people i work with sit on those great big rubber work out balls. no back support but it helps with their core they say.
  • ckapes
    ckapes Posts: 31
    a lot of people i work with sit on those great big rubber work out balls. no back support but it helps with their core they say.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    post it note...SIT UP STRAIGHT!
  • ckapes
    ckapes Posts: 31
    The Swiss Balls are great for core support.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    I don't do this all the time but where I have a bad back if it's bothering me sometimes I wear weight bands or tummy sinchers that make me sit up straight.


    Don't forget your Keggles :P
  • KelliHarrison
    KelliHarrison Posts: 9
    I was just going to suggest that.
    It should help with posture. It keeps you awake and alert because you are always moving around and it definitely helps if you can train yourself to tighten your stomach/core muscles to keep you sitting up straight!

    I got one - but it isn't that great for this purpose - it is a weighted (with sand) Gold's Gym Stayball. I'm going to get a different one to use at my desk!
  • hope516
    hope516 Posts: 1,133 Member
    post it note...SIT UP STRAIGHT!

    lol like this idea...

    I personally have to remind myself daily...minutely

    I think I'll steal the above
  • 0AmyMarie0
    0AmyMarie0 Posts: 315
    Raise your monitor up a bit, that worked really well for me, or lower your chair. You cant see things as well then when you're slouching lol. I like the post it note idea too though.
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    As far as posture....

    Take some shortened suspenders, attach one end to the back of your bra, and the other ends to your panties.

    When you slouch...........you get a wedgie! :blushing: Pick your wedgie enough times and you'll sit up straight.

    No, I've never done this, but you can't say that you'd disagree with me on this concept! :huh:

    :bigsmile:
  • 4jenniferk
    4jenniferk Posts: 307 Member
    a lot of people i work with sit on those great big rubber work out balls. no back support but it helps with their core they say.

    Actually..... this is recommended for at least an hour or so a day. I've read that your back will hurt after the first day but eventually you will get used to it. For me.... I don't rest my back against the back rest. I get up and down all day long though. Found the post it comment amusing:)
  • ScottyNoHotty
    ScottyNoHotty Posts: 1,957 Member
    I move my coffee or water to the other side of my office, that way I have to get up and walk to it......
  • reyna99
    reyna99 Posts: 489 Member
    I want to get a fitness ball to sit on! but for now, I try to remind myself, maybe a Post-It would help...hehe
    plus I hate seeing my gut stick out when I look down so that's good reminder ;)
  • Bankman1989
    Bankman1989 Posts: 1,116 Member
    post it note...SIT UP STRAIGHT!

    zYup right below your computer or on your phone where you will be constantly reminded!!!
  • alapointe
    alapointe Posts: 369 Member
    Get a lumbar roll for your chair. I have this because I have a bad back and it almost always makes me sit up straighter.
  • Sl1ghtly
    Sl1ghtly Posts: 855 Member
    Awareness.
  • embersfallen
    embersfallen Posts: 534 Member
    you can actually get chairs that hold the balance balls :) Target has them, and they are online also... :) Wish I could have one here....
  • Strobins05
    Strobins05 Posts: 716
    post it note...SIT UP STRAIGHT!

    lol like this idea...

    I personally have to remind myself daily...minutely

    I think I'll steal the above
    LOL, I'm stealing too! : )
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    For good posture:

    Here are "at your desk" yoga moves. These are great for relieving tension too..
    http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/videos/yoga-pilates/5-min-yoga.htm?sssdmh=dm17.558940&esrc=nwftn110711&email=1290104
  • NeedANewFocus
    NeedANewFocus Posts: 898 Member
    Ergonomic evaluatoins of your work space are great in answering this kind of question.

    The biggest change it made for me was the placement of my moniter. I'm a tall guy and I found that by lifing my moniter so that the center of the screen was at eye level kept me from extending my neck downwards which would lead me to shift in my seat in several awkward ways.

    Personal awareness is huge. I'm constantly checking how my feet are placed on the floor. Ideally, put your feet flat on the floor and the rest of your body will follow.
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
    you can actually get chairs that hold the balance balls :) Target has them, and they are online also... :) Wish I could have one here....

    they don't work nearly as well, because the chair holds the ball rather than the user having to balance
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    you can actually get chairs that hold the balance balls :) Target has them, and they are online also... :) Wish I could have one here....

    they don't work nearly as well, because the chair holds the ball rather than the user having to balance

    Ahhh .... that makes sense .... you don't really have to "work" to keep your balance.
  • FitKate
    FitKate Posts: 169 Member
    http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/sitting-kills

    You may find this interesting

    If you are in a job were you have to sit all day it is better and less stress to sit at a 135 degree angle instead of sitting at 90 degree angle (which is sitting up straight).
  • ruggedBear
    ruggedBear Posts: 295
    I sometimes sit on one of those exercise balls, but if I sit too long, it seems to strain my groin muscles in a very uncomfortable way!

    I first used one when I was pregnant and it was fine early on, but when it gets close to the end - let's just say it's not a good idea! :wink: You feel like the babe's just gonna drop right out if you don't keep your knees together!
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