The Best Reset for the Sitting Lifestyle

Categories: Blog Mar 13, 2016

We all know that too much sitting is not the best thing for us to do. It causes a host of issues. One of these issues is poor posture and tight hip flexors (the folding part of your hips by your front pockets). I guess that is actually two issues. Sitting may be a required part of our lifestyle; through work, transportation, dinner, or whatever. But it doesn't mean we have to be stuck with the consequences of sitting.

Right now, as I type this post, I am lying on my stomach, and I am propped up on my forearms. Hopefully, I am breathing down into the bottom of my lungs, using my diaphragm as I should (I am, btw). This position, this reset, is a great way to overcome long hours spent sitting.

In OS, we often call this the TV watching position. You can call it the Laptop working position or whatever you like. This position actually offers multiple resets at a time. It is kind of like a Big Bang for your reset buck.

Here is what I mean. Breathing with the diaphragm is the most obvious reset, or the foundational reset, within this position. It helps strengthen the inner core unit (it actually makes your center stronger), but it also allows your neck and shoulders to relax as they are not being used as accessory breathing muscles. In other words, breathing properly is good for your posture. Breathing in the TV watching position can be great for your posture.

Another reset inside this position is the statically held head nod. Ok, that makes no sense, but this position requires head control as the head must be held in extension. If the neck slouches into flexion, you wouldn't be able to see your TV, laptop, or book. This position actually helps build endurance and strength through the postural muscles by developing head control. Again, this is great for overcoming the negative effects of sitting and slouching.

The other great benefit for this position is that it allows the hips to be open. Each breath you take position could take tension and tightness out of your hip flexors, allowing them to relax. More importantly, if your hip flexors can relax, your butt can get to work. People that tend to spend much of their time sitting, have butt muscles that forget how to do what they are supposed to do. This is often referred to as sleepy glutes. Basically, you need your butt muscles to work - so you can walk well and live life strong. If the hip flexors are too tight, or if they are always "on", the glutes seem to go dormant. Simply lying in this position and spending time here could be a way to help your hip flexors relax and keep your glutes more alert. Yes, I'm telling you to rest in this position and wake your butt up!

If you, or someone you know, suffers from poor posture due to excessive sitting, the TV Watching position could be a powerful reset for you that can really help restore your body. It is a great way to work on a laptop, read a book, or simply practice breathing. It can help you improve your posture, reduce your stress, relax your hip flexors, and keep your glutes!

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