Sit Down – For Better Muscle, Joint, and Tissue Health
Adding archetypal postures — or natural resting positions (see the pic above) — into your day can do wonders for your overall health. These simple, grounding positions not only help decompress and realign your body but also improve digestion, breathing patterns, and even lymphatic flow (reducing puffiness!)
Spending hours sitting in chairs, leads to our bodies becoming stiff, compressed, and unbalanced – limiting how well our muscles and joints can function. Natural resting positions, however, encourage a dynamic and fluid relationship with our body.
These resting positions actually engage more muscles while you’re resting, which might sound counterintuitive, but this gentle engagement keeps your body moving and adapting, even while you’re still.
Think of these positions as your body’s natural way of resetting itself—helping to release tension, improve alignment, and restore balance.
You don’t need a big lifestyle overhaul to benefit from these positions. Small changes can make a big difference:
- Sit on the floor while watching TV. Use a cushion or a yoga block for support if needed. You’ll notice you might need to keep changing your position – that’s OK, you’re meant to!
- Work from the floor. Place your laptop on a coffee table or low surface and sit on the ground while working.
- Choose chairs that allow versatility. If you must sit on a chair, pick one that allows you to pull your legs up or shift into different postures.
- Opt for an adjustable desk. At work or home, try a desk that lowers to floor height so you can comfortably sit on the ground.
- Squat down more often. Use a squat when picking things up, playing with kids, or chatting with them at their level.
If these positions feel tough initially, don’t stress. You can ease into them with the help of cushions, yoga blocks, or rolled-up blankets for extra support.
Regularly practicing archetypal postures can lead to a range of benefits. Not only will your joints, muscles, and tissues feel healthier and more mobile, but your body’s inner systems will also thank you. Improved digestion, deeper and more efficient breathing, and enhanced lymphatic drainage are just a few of the rewards you can experience.
These natural postures also help you reconnect with your body and break free from the restrictions of traditional chair-sitting habits.
Take It a Step Further With Mybod In Motion
In my Mybod In Motion my LIVE online group bodyweight training program, we incorporate archetypal postures into every session to help improve mobility and flexibility. These positions aren’t just something to rest in—they’re also the foundation for many functional movements. From squatting to reaching, twisting, and flowing, these positions build strength and ease in your body over time.
If you’re looking for better joint, muscle, and tissue health—as well as improvements in digestion, breathing, and overall movement—join us for the next intake of Mybod In Motion. Sessions are live, fun, and designed to fit into your busy life.
Email me at rae@mybod.co.nz for more info!
