It’s hard to believe that we’re coming up on one year since the first Covid lockdown, when many people started working from home. The advantages of regained hours from commuting and increased work flexibility have been a “silver lining” for many. Back in March 2020 when we pivoted our lives, we had no idea how long this change would last. At that time, turning our dining room tables or living room sofas into home offices was an adequate solution. But 11 months later, the consequences of our home office ergonomics are impacting almost everyone we see on the massage table!
Hours at the computer, even in the best of circumstances, creates muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, low back. and even our legs. Sitting in the same position for hours at a time “trains” our muscles to remain in that position… causing some muscles to stay stuck in a shortened position, and others to over stretch. Add onto this the inappropriate positioning of our computer monitors and keyboards, the height of our chairs and work spaces, and the unsupportive chairs we are sitting in, and we are courting pain, injury and postural dysfunction.
Of course, many people had terrible workspaces before Covid… but these new circumstances have definitely made things worse. I am seeing people every day with increased neck and shoulder pain, upper and lower back pain, wrist and forearm issues, to name just some of the issues that have increased over the last 6 months.
So what can you do about it?
First, fix your workspace: Watch this video that Rachael Grace put together last spring with some simple things you can do to improve your posture while you work, from adjusting your monitor to making your chair fit you better.
And, then, get moving: Get up from your desk and do a little stretching or yoga. Get outside for a walk, or get on your treadmill or Peleton. Jump on a mini trampoline. Try hula hooping. Take a class with us at The Gentle Place. Bodies are meant to move, and sitting for too long is bad not only for your muscles, but for your brain, your heart and your health!
Check out our VIRTUAL classes and workshops,
Be part of our community and safely get your body moving in the comfort of your own home!
We have Yoga Fundamentals I – A Series for Beginners. (starts Saturday, Feb 6th at 10am) Just 5 weeks of basic postures and you’ll feel comfortable to take any yoga class! (more advanced that that? Try our Yoga Fundamentals II for Beyond Basics starting Feb 6th at 8:30am!) Sign up/learn more HERE.
Start your week with a fun Cardio Class!! Yoga not your jam? Try our Cardio classes on Mondays at 8:00. (New session starts Feb 22nd. No equipment (or experience) needed. You will feel great, I promise! Sign up/learn more HERE.
How about a FUN workout! Hula Hoop with us on Friday, 2/19. Don’t have a hoop? No problem! You can purchase your personal, handmade hoop right in Framingham! Sign up/learn more HERE.
How about a Partner Massage Workshop on Valentine’s Day? Join us on Sunday, 2/14 at 4pm with your partner or friend, and learn great clothed techniques to relieve pain in tension! Sign up/learn more HERE.
Learn more about ALL of our workshops to ease your body and soul by clicking here... and join us. Anytime. All the time. We are still here for you. We just have to hold out a little longer.
Take good care, and stay healthy!
Donna and The Gentle Place team.