Why Sitting on the Ground Is Good for Your Health
Most of us, including myself, spend a significant part of the day sitting – usually on chairs or sofas. Sitting all day is not good for our health, but if possible, switching to sitting on the floor (even for short periods of time) can actually help improve overall health. This is because the movements required to get up and out of a sitting position on the floor require the development of strength, mobility and coordination.
As body alignment specialist Lauren Roxburgh told Well + Good magazine last year, “When you can get on and off the floor with relative ease, it’s a great sign of overall structural health, skeletal health, and muscle balance and alignment.”
The sit-stand test is a good measure of strength and mobility.
The sit-stand test, where you cross your left leg over your right, then lower yourself to a cross-legged sitting position, and then rise up, is a good measure of your strength, mobility, and coordination. (You can watch a demo here .)
A 2012 study found that people between the ages of 51 and 80 who were able to successfully complete the sit-stand test lived longer than those who could not, most likely because it is a good indicator of a person’s overall strength and mobility. which is often lost with age.
If you can’t successfully pass the sit-stand test, this does not mean that you are doomed to an early death . However, if you are struggling to perform the sit-stand test, then this should serve as a reminder to work on overall strength and mobility, which will become increasingly important for maintaining good health as you get older.
The good news is that this skill can be actively worked on and improved. One way to do this is to develop the habit of sitting on the ground, the frequency of which will make the transition easier.
Benefits of sitting on the ground
Some of the benefits of sitting on the ground include developing body stability; increased mobility of the hips, which can become tight from sitting in a chair; increased flexibility and mobility of the lower body; and active work of your muscles.
What to avoid
While sitting on the ground can help improve your health, it may not be for everyone. As with everything, it’s important to listen to your body and adapt as needed.
Some of the risks of sitting on the ground include increased stress on the joints, reduced circulation, or exacerbation of existing joint problems. It is also important to watch your posture and not slouch.
If you are dealing with injuries or if sitting on the ground is too painful, you should either adjust your posture or ask a healthcare professional about any concerns you may have.