Optimize your performance and prevent computer-related injuries with
Healthy Computing Email Tips. Each week we provide hints to help you stay
healthier while working.
Do your legs feel a little sluggish at the end of the day? Do you find
that you are sometimes stiff when standing up? Do you tend to wrap your
legs around the base of your chair or constrain your leg movement because
you have limited legroom when working? Sitting all day, either at the
computer or in meetings, and constricting leg movements can contribute
to leg discomfort, a common complaint amongst computer users. Wake up
sluggish legs and prevent discomfort when you SQUEEZE.
HOW TO SQUEEZE IT:
Sit comfortably erect at the edge of your chair, feet flat on the floor
about 6 to 8 inches apart. Slightly tighten your abdomen, lean forward
and rest your forearms on your thighs. Make fists with each hand and place
them side-by-side between your knees.
As you exhale, gently squeeze your knees together against your fists. Feel
a tightening of the adductor muscles in the insides of your upper legs.
Hold for 2 to 3 seconds and let go completely. Repeat 10 to 15 times,
each time feeling the adductor muscles tighten and let go.
Slowly stand-up on an exhalation and shake each leg out.
Optional tools for this exercise:
- A ball that is a little smaller and softer than a soccer ball is an
excellent tool for this exercise
- A firm pillow
- A jacket, sweater, or coat rolled up
Do this or other strengthening exercises throughout the day as well as
during meetings and on BART or MUNI.