The Fourth Key to Improving Your Sitting Experience

In my previous posts, I've delved into the essential elements of becoming a better sitter, identifying three key factors. The first step is understanding the concept of body use and discerning the distinction between proper body use and misuse. To enhance this capacity, it's crucial to gain insight into the structural and functional organization of the body's musculoskeletal system. Such knowledge proves invaluable in refining your sensitivity to subtle, previously imperceptible cues associated with early signs of body misuse. Recognizing these cues as they arise greatly enhances your sustainable sitting experience.

Now, let's explore the fourth and final aspect that demands your attention. There's a marked difference between sitting passively and sitting mindfully, with a deliberate focus on how you sit. To become a better sitter, cultivating a strong sense of intention plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. If you haven't had the chance to peruse my previous three blog posts in this series, I encourage you to do so. It will undoubtedly offer valuable motivation and insights to appreciate the fourth and crucial element for enhancing your sitting experience.

By now, you've gained insight into the fundamental structural and functional organization of the body, especially the core kinetic chain. Remember, this chain consists of the dynamic interplay between the pelvis, spine, and head. This skeletal relationship, simplified when sitting, originates between your body and the ground. So, how does one activate this dynamic relationship while seated? The answer lies in connecting with the ground through your body.

Connecting + Directing: The Fourth Key to Better Sitting

Once this connection is established, you can direct it upward from the ground through the core kinetic chain (pelvis-spine-head). This directional flow is facilitated by two reference points on your body: your feet and your sitting bones. When I refer to sitting, I'm specifically addressing the relationship between your body and a chair or seat. In this context, your knees are typically flexed at approximately 90-100 degrees, with your feet placed flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. The key support structure for your torso while sitting in a chair is your sitting bones, which are part of your pelvic bones or ilia. They are situated just beneath your buttock muscles and possess a "rocker" shape, functioning as a pivot point and a base of support for your entire upper body during sitting.

Let's delve into the role of the pelvis in connecting and directing gravity's force through your body:

Upright Resting Neutral Position: Begin by establishing an upright resting neutral body position. From this posture, you can pivot your entire torso from your hip joints, avoiding undue strain on your lower back. This motion familiarizes you with the neutral posture and enables you to move forward and backward during sitting activities.

Pelvic Pivoting: Alternatively, you can pivot from the pelvic bones using the sitting bones as your reference point. This involves utilizing the arc-shaped rockers of the sitting bones to initiate an upward, wave-like motion starting from the pelvis and progressing along the spine's length until it reaches the base of your skull.

For more comprehensive instructions on executing these movements, please refer to this link.

Now, let's consider the role of your feet in connecting and directing gravity's force through your body:

The feet, in conjunction with your pelvis via the sitting bones, offer an additional means of connecting and directing gravity's force through your body's center. Both of these connection points are pivotal in guiding ground-reactive forces upward along your spine, providing stability, and enhancing postural and movement control while sitting.

For more detailed guidance on using your feet to establish and direct ground-reactive forces while sitting in a chair, please click here.

I trust that you've found this information valuable in enhancing your sitting experience. Commit to incorporating these principles into your daily sitting activities, and observe the positive impact on your overall comfort. If this resonates with you and you're eager to embrace this practice, I invite you to take the next step. Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

Until next time, remember to engage in practices that make you a better sitter.

Warm regards,

Rick