Sitting is “the new smoking” so resolve to move more – even at work. Check out this great set of resources from Experience Life magazine on “Workday Workouts.” One of my intentions for the year has been to sit less. Since I work from home most of the time, I can do some small exercise every hour. Great news – even if you work in an office, so can you. This article has tons of great ideas for moving throughout the day.
That said, like most people, I still sit… A LOT. I have been told that improving posture can decrease the damage from sitting and improve back health. I am not proud to say it, but my posture is usually pretty terrible. I was offered the opportunity to try the BackJoy SitSmart. The SitSmart is “an innovative sitting device that naturally relieves back pain by optimizing your sitting posture.”
I am a wee bit late here, but May was Correct Posture Month. Studies show that eighty percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime. According to a recent survey commissioned by BackJoy, only 23 percent of Americans realize that simply correcting posture often has a positive effect on back pain. For Correct Posture Month, BackJoy presented a look at what Americans are saying about their back pain, posture, and exactly how far they would go – and have gone – to find relief. Check out the infographic and survey findings here.
The SitSmart “automatically positions your body in correct posture for all-day comfort.” The patented design works by tilting your hips upright and comfortably “floating” your spine over the seat. The Posture Plus style is made with a durable foam on the top that’s weather proofed for indoor or outdoor use. They show people using it to drive, sit outdoors and in all kinds of regular chairs. Features:
- Natural back pain relief
- Easy-to-use design for correct posture
- Tilts the pelvis upright to engage core muscles
- Maximum comfort for long periods of sitting
- Works in any seat—office, car, home, or outdoors
The SitSmart comes with simple instructions and indicates that if you have discomfort, you should only sit for short periods in it until you get used to the change. I tried it and definitely felt some soreness from trying to sit with correct posture. I used it for 30 minutes at a time at first. Maureen mentioned that she had one and propped her upper back with a pillow to ease the change. I tried that and got used to the change more quickly. I was tempted to try it when I drove to Indianapolis but I chickened out – I was worried about it sliding (though I think that is just me being crazy). I will try it for sitting outside the next time I go to an outdoor movie or concert. It is easier to carry than a lawn chair and I think it would be very comfortable now that I am used to it!
The SitSmart is only $39.99 and comes with free shipping from Backjoy. If this works for you, you can save a ton of cash in massages and other back pain treatments. I would say it is definitely worth a try in the office or at home, too. You can check out all of the Backjoy products on the web or keep up with them on Facebook and Twitter for specials and new products.
How is your posture? Do you use any products to improve posture or reduce back pain? Have you tried a standing desk like my brother and Dan and The Husband? Please tell me about it in the comments.
Want to see what other people are trying on Tuesday? Check out the Tried It Tuesday link up at Lake Shore Runner!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!
Please note: I was provided this product at no cost in exchange for an honest review. I was not otherwise compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.