FitSugar

Sitting 101: Desk Ergonomics

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

I consider myself an active person and am definitely happier strolling about than sitting, but I sit for a large portion of the day. I blog – how could I avoid a chair? Like most things, there's a technique to sitting. A well-designed workstation can help keep you pain free while you toil away during the day.

Here are a few things to consider about how and where you sit:

Adjust the height of your chair so your hips are between 90 and 120 degrees. If adjusting your chair means your feet no longer rest comfortably on the floor, use a foot rest.
Your keyboard should be in line or lower than your elbow joint. The open angle of the elbow will help reduce elbow, wrist, and shoulder pain.

I have a few more suggestions, so read more.

Keep your wrists straight and never bend them up to type. I find a good wrist rest to be invaluable for maintaining correct wrist alignment. Check out these stretches for your wrists – they will help, too.
The top of your monitor should be at eye level. If it is too low you could be setting yourself up for neck pain. Put a book or two under the screen to raise it adequately.
You should sit with your back straight. Use a pillow if you need low back support. Do not lean forward because that will close you hip joint down and stress your low back and neck.

Don't forget to move around as much as you can during the day. Adding little walks throughout your workday is an effective way to relieve pressure you might feel on your bum and spine.

Since Sitting is So Bad For Us...

FitSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

We've all heard how bad sitting in a chair all day is - Well G-Tech has addressed this problem.

No this woman is not at the dentist - she's working on her computer on the ergonomic Neber chair designed in Korea. It tilts you back, so the weight is distributed evenly throughout your body, instead of being focused on your lower back and bum (as with regular sitting).

This "Lazy Boy Recliner meets works station" could revolutionize the work place, creating happier, healthier men and women. Instead of complaining about their aching backs, workers can complain about their work load.

I have to say I would love to try one of these chairs since I am at the computer for so many hours in a row - how about you? Tell me in the comments section below.

View 4 Photos ›

Exercise v. Ergonomics

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:40:00 -0800

Well it has come to light that exercising and stretching have a more powerful effect on prevention of repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel) than expensive Aeron chairs.

Researchers are not saying we should write off ergonomics completely, but exercise seems to be key to keeping the pain at bay. Rehabilitative exercise, endurance training (yep, getting your heart rate up), stretching and strength training all had positive effects on folks with pain caused from working long hours at the computer. Sound familiar?

Be sure to get up from your computer at least once an hour and move around and/or stretch. If you have trouble remembering that you have a body, you should check out MacBreakZ. It's a software program that reminds you to stretch. How great is that, it turns your injury creating nemesis into your coach.

Gear Review: Kuru Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 -0700

It's important to be kind to your feet. If you don't treat them right then you can end up with foot, knee, or back pain. One way you can take care of your tootsies is with supportive footwear. You buy sturdy and cushioned sneakers for running, so why not treat your feet to the same love when you're not at the gym? I've just discovered Kuru shoes, the only footwear with ergonomic midsoles. Their philosophy is that your foot isn't flat, so why should your shoe be? The inside is curved, mirroring the shape of your heel, and when you walk, the supportive feeling is like nothing I've ever experienced.

To hear more about these shoes, find out how much a pair costs, and see some more pics read more.

My husband and I both have a pair of the Chicanes ($90), and instantly noticed the difference the first moment we slipped them on. These shoes are lightweight, water resistant, and have a rugged sole, so they were perfect for hiking and walking the hills around the city (that's why they're a little dirty in the photos). The best way to describe how they feel is comfortable yet supportive, and it was amazing that both our feet felt great after walking the trails for a couple hours. These shoes look less sporty than other trail shoes I've had, so that's also a plus. They come in many styles to fit your taste, and the price is pretty reasonable for a shoe that feels molded to your foot. If you have issues with foot pain or finding the right shoe, definitely check out Kuru shoes.

View 12 Photos ›

Looking for more advice on fitness gear? Then check out the Good Gear/Bad Gear group.

Fight Carpal Tunnel With the Wow-Pen Mouse

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 11:15:00 -0800

I hear people complain about carpal tunnel syndrome, mostly from musicians and people who work on computers non-stop all day. But what exactly is happening to cause the pain and tingly sensation?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand which houses the median nerve and tendons.

Some people are more prone to this because they have a smaller carpel tunnel. And for this reason, women are 3 times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also be caused by an injury, fluid retention during pregnancy, or repetitive motions, like using a mouse.

If you work with a computer all day, Then read more

The WOW-PEN ECO’s unique ergonomic mouse is designed to help eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Traditional mice put stress on the user's wrist and forearm - but the Wow-Pen is different because you hold it like a pen. The placement of WOW-PEN’s right/left buttons and scroll wheel have been carefully positioned for comfortable use.

If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, or want to do what you can to prevent it, it's available for $44.99.

Indoor Cycling Just Got Better: Schwinn Training Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:52 -0800

Winter rain and snow means it is indoor cycling season: I'm talking about spinning. Equinox has filled its Cycling Studio with new spin bikes by Schwinn. The bikes are pretty dang sweet.

I rode one during 45 minutes of Sports Cycling, and the ride was smooth and comfy with so many different hand grips available - the handlebars are tilted for ergonomic placement. The tension on the fly wheel is created by magnets too, ensuring that all the bikes in the room create the same tension across the board. Best of all the bikes have console computers, which not only work with most heart rate monitors, but also measure miles per hour, cadence, distance, and watts. The pedals have cages, if you don't have cycling shoes, and the pedals are compatible with road bike cleats as well as mountain bike cleats - very versatile.

These indoor cycling bikes will arrive at Equinox gyms starting now throughout early Winter. They are exclusively at Equinox for the time being, but these bikes can only spell upgrades for most gyms. Tell me, do you spin?

How to Keep Black Friday From Making You Black and Blue

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Standing in line on the busiest shopping day of the year can really test your patience, and back, and legs, and feet . . .

Here are a few things to try to make standing in line bearable:

Keep your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Standing with all of your weight on one leg with your hip jutting out might look cool and seem like an energy saver, but it can really tweak your back, your hips, and your knees. Especially if you are carrying a heavy purse or already loaded down with bags.
Bend and straighten your knees a bit to make sure that you are not locking your knees, which decreases circulation to your lower legs and grinds the knee joints - ouch!
When you're frustrated that the sales clerk can’t seem to get the total right for the person way at the head of the line - breathe. Take a deep breath and let it go. Remember - oxygen is free.
Put all your bags down and stretch out your back by rounding your lower spine. Remember: Pulling your abs in increases the stretch. You don’t have to make this a big, conspicuous motion. Just big enough to move the spine around a bit so it doesn’t get overtaxed. (Speaking of which - I wish I lived in a state with no sales tax on clothes. But that is another can of worms.)

Happy shopping!

Source

The Wovel: Good News For Your Back, Bad News for the Snow

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 02:35:00 -0800

It's an amazing feeling, looking out your window in the morning and realizing that snow has been gently falling while you were in dreamland. It's crisp and pure and beautiful.

But then reality sets in and you realize that you have to dig your car out of its snow-cocoon so you can get yourself to work.

Shoveling snow by hand can burn over 350 calories in an hour (which is how long it usually takes to clear your driveway and walkway). So opt for a shovel instead of a snow blower.

Using a regular shovel, and bending down to lift that heavy snow can make for a sore and useless back the next day. Check out the Wovel - the World's Safest Snow Shovel.

Its huge wheel makes shoveling snow much easier, faster, and with less strain on your back. You can buy it online for $119.95. It could possibly be the last shovel you'll ever have to buy.

Fit's clues for healthy Queuing

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 02:35:00 -0800

Standing in line on the busiest shopping day of the year can really test your patience, and back, and legs, and feet….

Here’s a few things to try to make standing in line bearable:

Keep your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Standing with all of your weight on one leg, with your hip jutting out might look cool and seem like an energy saver but it can really tweak your back, your hips, and your knees. Especially if you are carrying a heavy purse (and we all know BIG bags are in).
Bend and straighten your knees a bit to make sure that you are not locking your knees, which decreases circulation to your lower legs and grinds the knee joints – OUCH.
When you’re frustrated that the sales clerk can’t seem to get the total right for the person way at the head of the line – breathe. Take a deep breath and let it go. Remember - oxygen is free.
Put all your bags down and stretch out your back by rounding your lower spine. Remember pulling your abs in increases the stretch. You don’t have to make it a BIG motion. Just big enough to move the spine around a bit so it doesn’t get over taxed. (Speaking of which – I wish I lived in a state with no sales tax on clothes. But that is another can of worms.)

Happy shopping!

Legends of the FALL: Rake it Girl

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 14:00:00 -0800

Did you know that raking leaves for 30 minutes burns about 150 calories, depending on your weight and how vigorously you rake? If you hate raking leaves, just remember you're also burning calories - so why not make the most of it?

Be sure to take care of your back while you bag all those leaves. Don't round your lower back as you move your piles into bags. Bend from your hips and stick your booty out. This will not only work your glutes (like a squat), but it will also protect your lower spine. And while you're at it, why not use your deep abs too?