To optimize your athletic performance, it’s crucial to consider all factors that affect your overall health.
One common mistake among non-elite runners is neglecting the negative effects of prolonged sitting on their muscles and posture.
You can go for a morning run, but if you sit behind a desk for the rest of the day, this can lead to muscle imbalances, poor posture, and pain in the back, shoulder, and neck.
Additionally, in our Personal Best Running Coaching Program we sometimes hear of athletes with issues of tight hamstrings, which can also be caused by prolonged sitting.
To combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting, it’s important to move frequently throughout the day. Taking short breaks to stand up, do some light stretching, and walk around can help to improve circulation and reduce muscle stiffness.
Personally, I find using a standing desk to be beneficial. This allows me to alternate between sitting and standing.
Setting reminders to stand up and move around every 45 minutes to an hour can be a helpful way to ensure you are staying active.
I drink a lot of water throughout the day, which helps with frequent restroom breaks to keep moving 🙂
Even just a few minutes break for some jump roping, toe raises, push ups, or pull ups can make a big difference.
Implement standing meetings or even better, walking or running meetings!
When you make a phone call, stand or walk around.
Walk or ride your bike instead of drive, whenever possible.
Those who follow me on Strava, will notice I do lots of activities outside of running to keep moving, such as hike meetings, school drop off walks, playing outside with the kids, etc.
To optimize your running performance, it’s important to be mindful of the negative effects of prolonged sitting and make an effort to move frequently throughout the day.
Have fun out there on your runs!
Cheers,
Floris Gierman
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