I understand. I am not supposed to sit long each day. Bad for my health, is it? Equipment operators, office professionals, drivers of all types, pilots, and many others do not have a choice if they intend to support their families and build a legacy. All we can plan to do is mitigate the factors.
My first 15-year career was as an aviation mechanic and instructor. I was licensed to taxi and power-run multi-engine heavy aircraft. I can tell you that pilots have no choice of chair type. Aviation authorities control the seats, the material used, and their manufacturing processes. Slamming into ten runways a day only compounds the precipitating health issues.
The next 15-year life was as a sailor, instructor, charter base manager and yacht builder. That was fun and it took me around the world on several tours. It sounds amazing and it was, but far from all sunshine and coldies. Hours at the helm, smashing through rough seas, in absolute darkness other than flashes of lightning, strapped down to a composite bench to keep you onboard, can cause a tickle.
The last 15+ years I have been an instructional system designer, and learning methodologist in Southeast Asia. All that sailing helped me find the place that fits best. I spend significant time behind the wheel in cars, trucks and motorbikes, at times up remote muddy mountain trails. To be honest, that’s where I want to be. If you are a professional driver, I can relate to your pains.
Air-ride seats can be fit into larger vehicles and significantly reduce the impacts, however, research points to the restriction of blood flow as the cause of musculoskeletal issues. Most offices provide ergonomic chairs for their staff to reduce medical expenses or missed work, and improve satisfaction and production. If not, approach management with a request to provide a higher quality office chair with their style approval. Be respectful by controlling personalization and identifying flare. This is a place of work, not your deck.
I am unsure if I could be one of those crane operators, in that little box, way up there, with no place to escape, not even a parachute. They can make their seat as comfortable for the ride as possible, but the hours and overpronated posture are devastating to their bodies.
Are you an influencer? Chances are somewhere along a career path in social media you spend some time at a desk or table. Do you like those big-ball things that force you to check your posture, or are you adult enough to use an office chair as they are designed? You do know you are meant to sit all the way back in them, not on the edge. Before you blame the chair, check your posture.
What type of chair do you prefer? Are you in a gaming chair, task, ergonomic, or high-backed executive chair? The ergonomic and kneeling chairs are interesting. I could see the benefit of them but I am not a fan of those ball chairs. You can call it what you want. That is exercise equipment, not office furniture.
No matter where you sit, or what you sit on if you are a noodle, your body is going to be ticked off. Straighten up, literally. This will engage your core muscles meant to support your upper body in all directions. There are a few, ultra-simple home exercises I do to keep my core firm.
- I started planking for one-minute intervals.
- Alternating with the yoga position called “cobra” for one minute will help work inner muscle groups.
- I am no guru, far from it, but you can look up the walking bear, and crescent moon positions to develop your inner flank muscles to give you a basic routine for a five-minute set to use multiple times a day. Maybe.
You can seek trained and experienced trainers and coaches in physical fitness to reach your goals of a long and upright life with the ability to run away from annoying family members into your 80s. Make them come looking for you in their trainers.
Find and apply as many natural remedies and therapies for your wellness before turning to medicine. Our bodies are amazing. Be patient.
