I have this weird channel on my TV that broadcasts Pilates and yoga sessions. I'm a sucker for these things. (It's on TV! I have to do it now! Me and the DVR never clicked.)
Anyway, Pilates lady was saying that sitting in a chair all day tightens up the glute muscles. So if you sit for long periods of time, stretch out with leg lifts. This makes the gluteous muscles less tight and makes you feel better.
Since I type a lot, I learned during a bout with carpal tunnel to stretch out my wrists. Put your arms out, point your fingertips to the sky, and gently push your fingers back to open up the wrist muscles.
When should you see a doctor about carpal tunnel pain? When you feel it shooting to your elbow, stop messing around and go to the doctor. I didn't need surgery because I didn't put off correcting the problem with physical therapy.
I think yoga and Pilates work wonders for my posture. Despite sitting in a chair typing for most of the day, I probably have less back pain than most people I know. Yoga and coffee in the morning may sound like a strange combination, but it's my favorite way to wake up. I still need to lose weight, but fortunately autumn is the perfect season for bike riding.
What do you do to counteract the sedentary writers' lifestyle?
-- Kate, Miss Perfecting the Pages
3 comments:
Oh, I need to get doing something! I used to take my dog for a walk twice a day, before she hurt her leg. But I'm going to get back to walking.
This may sound crazy, but when no one else is home, I've been known to run the stairs in my house (while listening to writerly podcasts on my iPod). I figure any bit of exercise is better than none!
I tend to get up and wrestle with my characters. I know, I know...what will the neighbors say? I can't help it. Sometimes I just need to get physical.
Actually, when we lived in PA, I would get up and take a long brisk walk around the lake or run up and down the stairs a few times, usually with a basket full of laundry...occasionally with an armload of kid.
I really should do some more of those exercises with the big rubber ball. Not very aerobic, but it tightens my tummy!
That "Compact Writing" post IS really great. Reminds me of "the hammer" sentence. :)
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