#ReadyRoomTips: Move Often

We are made to move and quite simply put, movement affects all aspects of our health. Everything from muscle, tendon, joint, bone to brain and heart health is affected by our movement. So for optimal health, Move Often!

Here are 5 tips on how to do that:

[1] Move at least slightly every 10-15mins.

Small movements help decrease the stress and tension placed on your tissues. For example, if you are statically sitting in the same position for 2 hours, the same tissues will be stressed and thus builds tension. Break up this tension using small movements like shifting weight in your chair, stretching your neck, arching your back, rolling your ankles etc. every 10-15mins.

[2] Vary your repetitive movements.

We are not robots built to move one way all the time. We can and should move in a variety of ways to avoid repetitive stress in one area of the body. One example of this for an office worker is to mouse with your opposite hand from time to time. Find different ways to do the same task. Slowly add variety to your repetitive movements.

[3] Move to your end range.

All joints have a natural end range but most of us hardly get to those end ranges on a day to day basis, especially in our mid back and hips. Moving your joints to their natural end range is very healthy so use dynamic or static stretching to do that. If you don’t know how, ask us at your next appointment!

[4] Add more day-to-day movement gradually.

Doesn’t have to be much but just add a bit more movement throughout your day. Take the stairs. Park your car a bit farther. Walk more. Stand up more. All these little changes help create a healthier lifestyle.

[5] Find out if you are moving well.

Although we are made to move, we can at times, move in ways that are not efficient. When moving more or taking on new movement (like running, playing new sports, etc.) get screened by a Ready Room healthcare practitioner. We can let you know what you need to work on to move better and safer!