The PERFECT Mobility Routine to FIX YOUR SIT (3 Min/Day)

Jeremy Ethier
9 Jun 202408:36

Summary

TLDRThis video script offers a solution to the common problem of muscle stiffness from prolonged sitting. It presents a study that found electrical stimulation could reverse the effects, but suggests simpler exercises for the upper back, midback, and hips to alleviate tension and improve posture. The script provides step-by-step instructions for three targeted exercises and emphasizes the importance of movement to maintain flexibility and prevent muscle atrophy from a sedentary lifestyle.

Takeaways

  • πŸ§˜β€β™‚οΈ Sitting for long periods can cause muscle stiffness and reduced joint mobility.
  • πŸ”¬ A study found that using a neuromuscular electrical stimulator could help reverse the stiffness caused by sitting.
  • 🚫 The control group and the group with a low-level current experienced increased back stiffness after 4.5 hours of sitting.
  • πŸ’‘ High amplitude current group showed almost complete reversal of back stiffness, suggesting the importance of muscle contraction.
  • πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈ Simple exercises can help counteract the negative effects of sitting without needing electrical stimulation.
  • πŸ•’ Incorporate exercises into your routine a few times a week, working up to once or twice a day.
  • πŸ€Έβ€β™€οΈ The 'Wall Clock' exercise is recommended to improve shoulder mobility and strengthen upper back muscles.
  • πŸ‰ The 'Cat-Cow' stretch is an effective way to activate and stretch the midback muscles.
  • 🦡 The hip mobility exercise helps to move the hips in various directions, targeting muscles weakened by prolonged sitting.
  • πŸ”„ There are three levels of the hip exercise, starting with a basic stretch and progressing to a more advanced version.
  • πŸ”— For a comprehensive approach to posture and mobility, consider adding an underrated exercise mentioned in a follow-up video.

Q & A

  • What are the two choices presented for someone who feels stiff and locked up from sitting all day?

    -The two choices are to either leave the situation and let it get worse or to fix it with three simple exercises done in just 3 minutes a day.

  • How did the study in the script measure the effects of sitting on muscle stiffness?

    -The study had participants sit for 4 and 1/2 hours a day to observe how it affected their muscle stiffness, with the participants' backs getting tighter over time.

  • What was the difference between the control group and the test groups in the study?

    -The control group just sat without any intervention, while the test groups used a neuromuscular electrical stimulator that sent electrical currents into their back muscles at regular intervals.

  • What was the surprising finding for the high amplitude group in the study?

    -The surprising finding was that the stiffness in the backs of the high amplitude group, whose muscles contracted from the current, almost completely reversed.

  • What is the main takeaway from the study for someone looking to improve their posture and reduce stiffness from sitting?

    -The main takeaway is that you don't need an electrical stimulator; instead, you should start moving the joints and contracting the muscles that are not used when sitting.

  • What is the 'wall clock' exercise and how does it help with posture and stiffness?

    -The 'wall clock' exercise involves standing sideways and drawing your palm in a semicircle forward and up the wall, engaging the chest, shoulder, and upper back muscles to improve posture and reduce stiffness.

  • How does the second exercise described in the script help with back and neck stiffness from sitting?

    -The second exercise involves getting on all fours and moving the spine in different directions to stretch and activate the muscles in the back and neck, reversing the effects of sitting.

  • What is the purpose of the third exercise in the script, and how does it target the hips?

    -The third exercise targets the hips by moving them into various positions to relieve stiffness and strengthen weakened muscles caused by sitting, starting from a level one version and building up to a more challenging level three.

  • What additional advice is given for those who want to truly fix posture and mobility issues?

    -For those who want to fix posture and mobility issues, the script suggests adding an underrated exercise for preventing aches and pains and burning fat, which is detailed in a subsequent video.

  • How can viewers get a free PDF of the routine described in the script?

    -Viewers can get a free PDF of the routine by clicking on the download link provided in the description box of the video.

  • What resource is recommended for an all-in-one fitness program to transform the body and fix mobility issues?

    -For an all-in-one fitness program, the script recommends visiting builtwithsize.com.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈ Reversing the Effects of Sitting with Simple Exercises

This paragraph introduces a study on the effects of prolonged sitting and how to counteract muscle stiffness through three simple exercises. The study involved participants sitting for 4.5 hours a day, leading to increased back tightness. The participants were divided into three groups: a control group that did nothing, and two test groups that used neuromuscular electrical stimulation with varying intensities. The high amplitude group, which had their muscles contract through the stimulation, experienced a significant reduction in back stiffness. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of moving joints and contracting muscles not used during sitting to improve posture and range of motion. It suggests starting with three exercises to address the most problematic areas and gradually incorporating them into a daily routine for better long-term posture and mobility.

05:01

πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ Exercises to Combat Sitting-Induced Stiffness

The second paragraph provides detailed instructions for three exercises designed to alleviate the stiffness and muscle tension caused by sitting. The first exercise, the 'wall clock,' targets the shoulders and upper back, aiming to improve posture and range of motion. The second exercise focuses on the back and neck, using a cat-cow stretch to activate the mid-back muscles and stretch the spine and neck. The third exercise is a hip mobility routine with three levels of difficulty, starting with a basic lunge stretch and progressing to a more advanced version that involves moving the knees across the body to stretch the hip flexors and groin muscles. The paragraph also mentions the availability of a free PDF guide with step-by-step pictures for these exercises and encourages viewers to check out a fitness program for a comprehensive approach to posture and mobility improvement.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulator

A neuromuscular electrical stimulator is a device that delivers electrical currents to the muscles, inducing contractions similar to those produced during exercise. In the video, it is used to demonstrate how muscle stiffness from prolonged sitting can be mitigated. The study mentioned in the script utilized this device to send electrical currents into participants' back muscles, with varying intensity levels, to reverse the effects of sitting.

πŸ’‘Muscle Stiffness

Muscle stiffness refers to the sensation of tightness or rigidity in muscles, often resulting from inactivity or overuse. The video script discusses how sitting for extended periods can lead to increased muscle stiffness, particularly in the back. The study in the script found that after 4 and 1/2 hours of sitting, participants experienced increased stiffness, which is a common issue addressed in the video's proposed exercises.

πŸ’‘Posture

Posture is the way an individual carries their body, which can significantly impact health and comfort. The script emphasizes the importance of good posture and how sitting for long periods can negatively affect it. The exercises suggested in the video aim to improve posture by strengthening and stretching muscles that are often neglected during prolonged sitting.

πŸ’‘Mobility Routine

A mobility routine consists of exercises designed to improve the range of motion in joints and muscles. The video script introduces a three-minute routine with specific exercises to enhance mobility, particularly for those who sit for most of the day. The routine is intended to counteract the negative effects of sitting and promote overall flexibility and muscle health.

πŸ’‘Wall Clock Exercise

The wall clock exercise is one of the three exercises highlighted in the video script. It is designed to improve shoulder mobility and posture by engaging the muscles in the upper back and chest. The name 'wall clock' comes from the movement of the arm, which traces a semicircle on the wall, similar to the hand of a clock. This exercise is used to alleviate the rounded shoulders that often result from sitting.

πŸ’‘Range of Motion

Range of motion refers to the extent to which a joint can move. The video script discusses the importance of increasing one's range of motion to prevent stiffness and improve overall physical performance. The exercises presented aim to enhance the range of motion in various parts of the body, especially those affected by prolonged sitting.

πŸ’‘Hip Flexors

Hip flexors are muscles that facilitate hip flexion, which is the movement of lifting the leg towards the torso. The script mentions that sitting all day can cause these muscles to become stiff and weak. One of the exercises in the video is specifically designed to stretch and strengthen the hip flexors, helping to alleviate the discomfort and immobility associated with prolonged sitting.

πŸ’‘Gluteal Muscles

The gluteal muscles, commonly known as the glutes, are responsible for hip extension and other movements. The video script includes exercises that aim to activate and strengthen these muscles, which can become weak from sitting. Strengthening the gluteal muscles is crucial for improving posture and overall lower body strength.

πŸ’‘Stretching

Stretching is a form of physical exercise that involves elongating a muscle to improve its elasticity and range of motion. The video script emphasizes the importance of stretching to counteract the muscle stiffness and joint immobility caused by sitting. The exercises provided are designed to stretch various muscle groups that are commonly affected by a sedentary lifestyle.

πŸ’‘Core Engagement

Core engagement refers to the activation of the muscles in the torso, which provide stability and support for the body. In the video script, engaging the core is mentioned as part of the proper form for performing the exercises. This helps to ensure safety and effectiveness during the movements, as well as to strengthen the core muscles, which are often neglected during sitting.

πŸ’‘BuiltWithSize.com

BuiltWithSize.com is mentioned in the video script as a resource for an all-in-one fitness program aimed at transforming the body and addressing mobility and posture issues. It suggests a comprehensive approach beyond the exercises provided in the video, offering a platform for individuals seeking a more holistic solution to their physical health and fitness.

Highlights

Study reveals that sitting for long periods leads to muscle stiffness and joint immobility.

Participants were divided into control and test groups to examine the effects of sitting and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Low-level electrical current provided a tingling sensation without muscle contraction, while high amplitude current induced muscle contractions similar to exercise.

High amplitude group showed almost complete reversal of back stiffness, suggesting the importance of muscle contraction for reversing sitting effects.

Muscle atrophy and stiffness occur even with perfect posture during prolonged sitting.

Introduction of three simple exercises to counteract the negative effects of sitting.

The 'wall clock' exercise targets rounded shoulders and strengthens upper back muscles for improved posture.

Instructions for performing the 'wall clock' exercise, including proper body positioning and movement.

Second exercise focuses on back and neck muscles, activating muscles that are often dormant during sitting.

Detailed steps for the back and neck exercise, emphasizing proper breathing and muscle engagement.

Third exercise addresses hip mobility, a common issue due to the fixed position of hips while sitting.

Level one hip exercise instructions, including positioning and breathing techniques for optimal stretch.

Level two hip exercise introduces activation of weak hip muscles and stretching of hip flexors and groin muscles.

Level three hip exercise increases difficulty by incorporating a 'windshield wiper' motion for deeper stretches.

Emphasis on the importance of consistent exercise routine to improve posture and mobility.

Offer of a free PDF routine with step-by-step pictures for easy reference.

Mention of an all-in-one fitness program for comprehensive body transformation and posture correction.

Transcripts

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if you sit most of the day and your body

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looks and feels locked up and stiff then

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you've got two choices leave it and let

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it get worse or fix it in just 3 minutes

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a day with three simple exercises since

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you're here I'm guessing you want to

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look and feel better so let's get right

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into it starting with a pretty crazy

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study that looked into how you can

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reverse the effects of sitting

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researchers and participants sit for 4

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and 1/2 hours a day to see how it

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affected their muscle stiffness exciting

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I know but bear with me sure enough

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everyone's back got Tighter and Tighter

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as the time dragged off but they found

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something interesting you see the

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participants were actually split into

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three different groups the control group

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literally just sat there and did nothing

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but with the test groups the researchers

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used something called a neuromuscular

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electrical stimulator to send 17

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electrical currents into their back

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muscles at regular intervals however one

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group received a low-level current which

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felt like a tingling sensation

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throughout their bath whereas the other

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group received a high amplitude current

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that actually caus their back muscles to

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contract just like how they do during

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exercise so what did they find well at

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first nothing surprising you see when

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you sit for a long time your joints are

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stuck in one position and your body

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essentially turns off the muscles you're

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not using so what happens is over time

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you not only lose your ability to move

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these joints but after sitting for a

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while your body will create the feeling

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of stiffness in your unused muscles in

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an attempt to get you to move and

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actually use them and this happens even

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if you tried to sit with perfect posture

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and this is exactly what the researchers

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found in both the control group and the

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group given just a lowlevel current

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their backs got increasingly stiff and

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it's also worth pointing out that this

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was just after 4 and 1/2 hours of

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sitting so imagine what happens to your

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back if you sit all day every day for

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years but anyway here's the surprising

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part for the high amplitude group those

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whose muscles actually contracted from

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the current the stiffness in their backs

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almost completely reverse so what does

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this mean for you well for starters if

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you haven't already picked up your very

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own neuromuscular electrical stimulator

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machine Co Jeremy for 15% off what the

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heck are you waiting for just kidding no

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the real takeaway is actually a lot

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simpler you don't need to run electrical

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currents through your back while you're

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at your desk although I guess that could

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work but if you want an even better

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solution one that will not only relieve

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muscle tension in your back but also

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your shoulders and hips improve your

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posture so you naturally stand up taller

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and straighter and increase your range

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of motion so you can have more effective

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sessions of the gym then you simply need

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to start moving the joints and

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Contracting the muscles that you don't

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use when you're sitting all day that's

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said I know how hard it can be to stick

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to a stretching or Mobility routine

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consistently so that's why rather than

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giving you an extensive list of

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movements my team and I have worked

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together to find the three exercises

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that focus on the most problematic of

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areas at first I recommend you start by

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introducing these exercises into your

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day just a few times each week but work

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towards doing them once or twice a day

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to break up your cting the first

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exercise is great for improving rounded

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locked up shoulders not only will it

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loosen your delts and chest it'll also

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strengthen the weakened muscles in your

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upper back and shoulders for long-term

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posture improvements it's called the

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wall clock to perform it stand sideways

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with your fingertips touching the wall

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and your thumb pointing down engage your

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core and without arching your back back

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slowly draw your palm in a big

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semicircle forward and up the wall let

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your shoulder blade move forward and

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then up as you do so you should feel a

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stretch in your chest on the way up and

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some of your shoulder and upper back

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muscles working then complete the circle

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by moving your arm back and down the

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wall letting your shoulder blade move

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back and down as your arm travels behind

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you reverse the circle to get back to

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the starting position and spend about 30

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seconds on each side and the nice thing

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is you can decide how much of a stretch

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is right for you you based on how close

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you stand to the wall closer you are the

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harder it will be but harder isn't

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necessarily better here especially if

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you're experiencing any sort of pain or

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discomfort aim for a stretch that feels

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like a four maybe five out of 10 just

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don't overdo it now we're going to focus

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on the back and neck when you've been

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sitting for a while and you finally get

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up what's the first stretch you do

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chances are it's this one your body is

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basically telling you to wake up and use

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all those muscles in your back that have

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been on standby but if you want a better

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way way to contract them to completely

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reverse the sitting position and to go

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through their full range of motion

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you'll want to do this exercise get on

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all fours with your hands directly under

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your shoulders then spin your elbows

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towards your thighs to engage your lats

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inhale and gently lift your tailbone

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towards the ceiling and reach your chest

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forward through your biceps to stretch

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your abs squeeze your shoulder blades

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together as you lift your chin up

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towards the ceiling when done properly

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you should actually feel the muscles in

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your midback activated this is the first

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half of the exercise then you'll want to

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go in the other direction exhale and

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imagine there was a rope pulling your

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midback up towards the ceiling and

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rounding your spine as you do this push

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the floor away to open up your shoulder

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blades then use your neck muscles to

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tuck your chin by looking towards your

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knees or even your belly button you

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should feel a deep stretch in your back

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muscles as well as your neck do this for

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about 30 seconds and then for the next

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30 seconds we'll move your spine in a

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way you probably don't do all day come

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back to a neutral position and turn and

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look towards your left foot this will

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stretch the muscles on the right side of

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your lower back and rib cage then return

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to center after that same on the other

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side turn and look at your right foot

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and a good way to manage your breathing

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is to inhale when you return to neutral

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and exhale as you look towards either

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foot finally the perfect 3-minute

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Mobility routine wouldn't be complete

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without an exercise to Target the hips

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when you're sitting all day your hips

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are literally just locked into one

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position but they're designed to move in

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all sorts of directions so we need an

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exercise that moves them into as many

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different positions as possible while

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strengthening the muscles that weaken

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from sitting too much exercise 3 does

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exactly that we'll start at a level one

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version and then build up to level three

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which is the most effective variation

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for level one sit on the floor and bend

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one leg in front of your body at around

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a 90Β° angle and then do the same with

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the back one you can use your hands for

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support if you need to then sit up tall

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and try to position your shoulders

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Square to the front of your shin keep

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your spine tall and exhale as you reach

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your chest forward hinging over your

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front leg until you feel a deep stretch

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on the outside of your front leg's hip

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or glute area try not to round your

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spine instead focus on bending at the

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hip inhale as you come back to the

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starting position and exhale as you get

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into your next rep for level one do 30

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seconds on each side trying to get

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deeper into the stretch with each rep

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level two now focuses on activating some

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of your weak hip muscles which is the

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key to relieving stiffness you're going

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to maintain that same 90Β° leg position

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but this time as you lean forward push

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your front Shin down into the ground and

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lift your hips up to get your torso

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upright you should feel some of your

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glute muscles working and you should

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feel the hip flexors and groin muscles

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of your back leg stretching once you get

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to the top then you're going to reverse

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this by lowering as slowly as you can

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while leaning forward again aim to do 30

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seconds on each each side once you're

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comfortable with level two you can emad

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to level three in this case you're going

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to repeat what we did in level two but

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instead of sticking to just one side at

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a time for deeper stretch in your groin

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and hip flexors you're going to

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windshield wiper your knees directly

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over to the other side on the way down

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and repeat this motion back and forth to

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help you stay upright reach your arms

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out in front of you and engage your core

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during the transition and again you can

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always use your hands for support here

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if you need it now these exercise are

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great but if you want to truly fix your

play08:02

posture and mobility issues for good

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then there's one thing that you have to

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add to this list it's an extremely

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underrated exercise for preventing aches

play08:10

and pains and surprisingly for burning

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fat as well give this video watch next

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to find out what it is and how to use it

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if you guys want a free pdf of this

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routine to remind you how they're done

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with step-by-step pictures I've added a

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download link in the description box

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down below and lastly for those who want

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an all in one fitness program to

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transform your body while fixing your

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Mobility the imposture issues for good

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just head over to builtwith size.com

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thanks so much for watching I'll see you

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next time

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Related Tags
Posture ImprovementMobility RoutineMuscle StiffnessNeck StretchBack ExerciseHip MobilityShoulder ReleaseSitting RemedyFitness TipsHealth Benefits