Your Human Resource department can no doubt quote long lists of statistics showing days lost at work from workplace injuries as well as the costs to the company’s bottom line for possible surgeries and rehabilitation from these injuries.
And while it can be argued that the success rate of addressing the post-injury condition is marginal, preventative measures in the form of stretches and exercises have been shown to very successful to reduce, or avoid, injury altogether.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly two-thirds of all occupational illnesses reported, were caused by exposure to repeated trauma to worker’s upper body (the wrist, elbow or shoulder). One common example of such an injury is carpal tunnel syndrome, exacerbated by postural misalignment in the upper body.
The trick of course is being able to include these exercises and stretches in your daily routine as easily as possible (certainly what you don’t need is to have yet another task added to your demanding schedule), so I’ve designed this course to be integrated into the activities that already comprise your day.
This 3-part series will cover a short list of simple actions you can take – even while at your desk – to increase your productivity both in the office and at home. It is by no means comprehensive, but each exercise is selected to give you the biggest ROI.
1. Posture-the Foundation for Optimal Health
Are You Sky-Orientated or Ground-Orientated?
2. Stretch-
a) Thoracic Mobilization-Take the Pressure Off Your Nerves
b) Levator Scapulae-Breathe Easier and Relieve Stress
3. Strengthen-
a) Prone Cobra-the Weak Muscles Need Attention
b) Lower Ab Vacuum-a Flat Abdomen is a Strong Spine
Before we dive into the program, lets start with a brief discussion on good posture in the workplace.
The Core of the Matter
Creating and maintaining good spinal alignment (posture) is a core element of this program because of its significance to achieving the best results and because it is a very important component of any healthy lifestyle; perhaps the most important.
Practice 16 Hours a Day
It doesn’t matter how much you exercise if your form (posture) is bad, because it will only lead to injury and inevitable setbacks. And you could be making the best of food choices, but not receiving the benefits if your intestinal integrity is comprised (exacerbated by poor posture).
Yet most people don’t practice the most fundamental elements of good posture when they have every moment of every day available to them.
Many studies have shown that the prolonged use of laptop computers especially lead to a long list structural maladies requiring days off work and medical attention.
However, all those hours spent sitting in front of your computer is the perfect place to create better body alignment with just a few simple tools.
And you can practice anytime, anywhere. At least while awake that is — 16 hours if you’re getting a good night of sleep. What’s that? You’re not. That’s a topic for another article.
Next installment: Posture-the Foundation of Optimal Health.
The author, Patrick Welch, is a accomplished corrective exercise specialist who has been employed by such diverse clients as top executives at Microsoft to professional athletes.
Prolaptopstand.com, distributor of the Crane Stand, sponsors this article series.
Having the proper computer set up is essential for maintaining a healthy position when seated or standing.
Pro Laptop Stand is happy to offer readers of HR.com preferred pricing for a limited time. Contact sales@prolaptopstand.com with HR in the subject line.
