– By Birgitt Haderlein Owner of To Fit You, Wellness coach/Fitness Consultant
Did you know the human head weighs about 12 lbs. — the equivalent of a medium bowling ball? As you look down at your phone, the weight on your neck begins to increase.
To give some perspective, the human head at a 15° angle, is about 27 lbs. At 30°, it weighs about 40 lbs., and at 45° it weighs about 49 lbs. At 60°, the point in which your head is hunched over your phone, your head weighs about 69 lbs.!
That’s like carrying a small child.
Many of my clients come to me feeling stiff with discomfort as a result of repetitive actions or motions that do not add much to their overall health. This includes looking down at their phone to check emails or slouching because they are
working at their desk all day long. Over time, their posture slumps inward, which creates tension on the neck and shoulders. I call this Slumpy Dumpy.
To combat Slumpy Dumpy, I give my clients suggestions on how to get moving throughout their day so they don’t suffer the consequences of a sedentary work environment. Instead of “cracking” my clients into perfect posture, I work with their unique situation. I give them small achievable steps to take them where they need to be (check the Lazybrook website).
Simple, and easy things you can do to help ease neck tension:
- Purchase an iRing (attachable accessory which allows you to comfortably grip your device).
- Look at your devices with your eyes without flexing your neck.
- Exercises for your neck http://bit.ly/2mi56tS
Head to Hips in Proper Alignment solution
Maintaining great posture burns calories as it engages your muscles and improves balance and reduces lower and upper back pain. Sitting for long hours in front of a computer or standing with shoulders down and hunched forward places your pelvis in an unnatural position. Keeping a watchful eye on your posture from head to hips reduces pain and the potential for injury.
Your lumbar curve should be relaxed but not pronounced. If your lower back muscles are tight, causing your buttocks to stick out, you may have to stretch your lower back muscles to allow you to stand appropriately.
Check your head alignment as well. Your head should be centered over your body and hips, with your chin tucked. As your chin tucks and your head aligns over your pelvis, this functionally engages the muscles without over tightening or
stretching.
Upper Back Alignment solution
Often called a dowagers hump, kyphosis is a rounded upper back that may result from sitting at an office chair for hours or leaning forward and looking down as you walk. Paying attention to your sitting and standing posture during the day is an important addition to both reducing back pain. Try stretching your back over a foam roller in the evening to massage tired muscles and do several squats to engage and strengthen your lower back.
So when your body is in alignment your energy, fatigue, and discomfort can be reduced significantly. When we feel better we have more energy, we are more productive at work and enjoy our days to the fullest.
Are you ready to get fit, lose weight, eat healthy and feel great! Call or email me to implement a program that supports and motivates you.
In health,
Birgitt Haderlein
President & CEO
1750 Seamist Dr. Suite 170
Houston TX 77008
713-410-3376
WWW.Tofityou.com
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