Regular exercise is essential for a healthy body
I discovered the hard way that exercise and work go hand in hand. Other than getting out for hockey once or twice a week I was completely sedentary, and after years of sitting at my work desk with little exercise I started having lower back issues.
I was in pain almost all the time which led me to a series of Chiropractic and Massage. Thanks to these therapies I was well on my way to healing but still needed to change my lifestyle and work habits going forward.
One of the changes made was better posture while sitting at my desk. Sitting straight up and having lower back support definitely helped. I also started taking frequent mini-breaks, getting up from my chair and walking around for 20 to 30 seconds every hour or standing when talking on the phone. This allows me to stretch my back and at the same time re-align the spine. The most important change I made was getting more exercise. Regular cardiovascular exercise and developing core strength has given me the ability to live pain-free despite continuing to work at a desk.
In my profession as a recruiter, speaking with various engineers all day, it is amazing how many people suffer from similar symptoms. So whether you are an engineer, accountant, lawyer or any other individual who spends many hours at a desk make sure you are taking the proper steps to a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t have time to make it to a gym? Here are some recommendations from the Globe and Mail (Dakshana Bascaramurty) on how to incorporate exercise during work.
