A kinesiologist's tips for better health when sitting all day at work
CBC News | Posted: May 28, 2016 4:00 PM | Last Updated: May 28, 2016
Kinesiologist Patrick Harrison designed a new office chair after finding that exercise balls have limitations
Many people are opting for stand-up desks and exercise balls for chairs in the workplace — but kinesiologist Patrick Harrison found that exercise balls had their limitations.
"The problem is the ball is a ball and there are a lot of ergonomic repercussions with sitting on a ball," said Harrison, who for years has been treating people with pain issues from lack of mobility for years and suggesting different chairs and exercises to do at work.
So eight years ago Harrison began designing a chair that moves like a ball but offers structure in areas such as one's back.
He used his experience designing seats for people in wheelchairs to find a comfortable seat that supports the spine.
Harrison sees a day where businesses take the wellness of their employees more seriously. He believes choice of chairs will be radically different in the future.
"If we increase our movement by even five per cent a day — that is going to make a huge difference over time against the sedentary lifestyle."
Harrison's other tips for avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are:
- When you use your cell phone, walk around while talking.
- Park far from the office.
- Drink double the amount of water, so you have to get up to go to the bathroom more often.
In the video above Patrick Harrison shows Our Vancouver host Gloria Macarenko some exercises people can do in their chairs while at work.