With some gyms closed and a number of people working from home, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for many people to get in their daily workout. Sedentary behavior, including sitting for long periods of time, can contribute to adverse health effects, including something referred to as “sitting disease.”
Dani P. Johnson, a wellness physical therapist with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, explains how to integrate more movement into your daily life.
Whether you’re working in an office or from home, Johnson suggests taking breaks every 30 to 45 minutes throughout your day to perform some simple stretches.
“Our bodies can get stiff. You know, we’re always kind of in this hunched-over position when we’re at our desks and working, so we really want to open up our chest,” Johnson says.