Tag: dana santas

Finally! Exercises for Couch Potatoes!

One of the leading causes of some many of the health issues that we face is being sedentary. The word “sedentary” comes from the same word as “seated,” and refers to the habit of sitting and not moving around. This is a common condition for many who work at jobs where they are tied to a desk or a computer. Others who may have a disability or are more frail simply find it too difficult to keep moving. For many, though, it is just a question of laziness and inertia–a non-moving object simply prefers to remain non-moving. Unfortunately, being a couch potato comes with a price: less favorable health outcomes.

Fitness expert, Dana Santas, recommends four exercises that can be done right on the couch! The first is an elevated Push-Up; rather than doing the exercise face down on the floor, it can be done using a couch. The easiest is off the back of the couch; more difficult is off of the arm of the couch, and most difficult is off of the cushions. Of course, one still needs to pay attention to having the proper form; aim for a plank posture. Next is the Single-Leg Squat (quite challenging!); stand close to the front of the couch and begin to sit down—but before you do, extend one leg forward so that you are only on one leg as you touch the couch. Ideally, one should not fully sit on the couch but rather just tap it with your bottom. This can be modified by starting with a regular squat (using both legs) on the couch which is also called a Sit and Stand. The third exercise is a Seated Pillow Twist. Take a pillow and hold it by the edges out in front of you; twist to the side and tap the pillow on the cushion, then twist to the other side and tap, and repeat. To make it more difficult, you can squeeze another pillow between your knees (knee adduction) while doing the exercise; over time, you can also switch from going side to side with a pillow to something heavier. Finally, there is the Side-Lying Leg Lift. Lie on one side with hips, knees, and ankles stacked one on top of the other; lift the top leg up without rotating the leg/foot toward the ceiling (in other words, make sure your toes are pointing forward) to get a great stretch through the hip flexors. Repeat on the other side.

Of course, there are many other exercises that can be done on couch that Santas does not mention in the article. I have clients who are unable to get up from the floor do some of the following on a couch: Glute Bridges, Dumbbell Chest Presses, Supine Single-Leg Raises, Knee-Ins, “Windshield Wipers,” Supine “Skull Crushers,” and Supine Chest Flys. The possibilities are nearly endless; any exercise that can be done seated or on the floor can usually be done on a couch as well.

So for those who complain that it is too difficult to get to a gym, or to the room downstairs with the exercise equipment, or even to get off the couch (!), you no longer have an excuse. Get moving–even on your favorite sofa–and see the difference it can make!

Daily Approaches to Back Pain

When I was much younger, I remember watching TV commercials for Doan’s Pills; they were supposed to bring relief for back pain. As a kid, I wondered just what that was all about; as I age, I understand just how much of an impact back pain can have on our ability to carry out our daily activities and the quality of our lives.

Dana Santas, a certified strength and conditioning coach and mind-body coach, explains in a recent article that rather than thinking about drastice measures, there are simpler actions we can take every day to ward off back pain.

  1. Move more. We used to think that when we had back pain we should just avoid movement until it gets better. Research shows the opposite is what is called for. Regular exercise is great, but even parking further from your destination and walking a little further, taking the stairs instead of an elevator, or a 5-minute burst of activity can make a positive difference. An increased heart rate helps circulate blood to the muscles to avoid stiffness.
  2. Switch sides. In all my work with clients, there are always imbalances because we are either right-handed or left-handed. Weakness on one side can cause back pain as we favor one side over the other. Santas suggests switching hands when carrying a bag or laptop, opening doors with the other hand, etc. Actions like this can help even out the differences.
  3. Correct imbalances. This is related to #2. When we walk, run, swim, or cycle our movements should be symmetrical. If you suffer from back pain, one of the reasons could be that our movements are not symmetrical. It may be worthwhile to have a health professional evaluate this and provide corrective measures.
  4. Stop slumping. This is a major problem with older adults which can be exacerbated by conditions like osteoporosis and Parkinson’s Disease. Santas explains that it is more than just a question of squeezing one’s shoulders together; pay attention to posture and breathing as well. Sitting or standing up straight and focusing on long, slower breaths can improve back pain.
  5. Stay present. This is the most interesting and perhaps most difficult to achieve. Many of us have stress in our lives that leads to back pain. By taking on some mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga we can reduce stress levels. Focus not on what happened in the past or what might occur in the future; be in the moment. Even taking a few minutes each day to focus on our breathing (see #4) can have an impact.
  6. Be proactive. This is Santas’ best piece of advice. There are certain things that we do on regularly to help maintain our health: brushing teeth, bathing, eating properly, etc. If we experience back pain, we should view it is a health need that should be attended to on a regular (even daily) basis. Find ways to make the first 5 strategies a set part of your routine.

Those who suffer from back pain–or have suffered in the past–know just how difficult it can be. It is helpful to know that there are strategies we can employ to help prevent and alleviate the pain. Be proactive and make it a priority!