#PlankTip: Learn how to sit with skill

It's true, most of us spend the day at our desks, slumped over our keyboards or texting/playing on our smartphones. And you wonder why we have back/shoulder/neck pain?

Here are a few #PlankTips that will have you sitting with skill (and ease) in no time at all.

1) Find Your "Work Station Pose"

In his blog post, Yoga Instructor Noah Maze notes that: "if you are someone who sits in a chair for a good portion of the day, you can make simple adjustments to your posture (and perhaps to the chair itself) so that your spine is in good alignment. In other words, make ‘Work Station Pose’ part of your daily yoga practice."

#PlankTip: Sit up tall through your spine, roll shoulders down and back and pull the lower ribs towards the back body. Ensure the feet are well grounded with at least a 90 degree or more opening at the knee and hip joints. Aim to find a horizontal line through the forearms.

If you catch yourself in bad sitting form, just readjust and start afresh. With one new adjustment or awareness each day, we promise your organs and pipes will be thanking you in no time at all.

2) Sweat for 30 Minutes Each Day

Experts suggest that we should all be active for at least 30 min. each day. It could be a walk outside during your lunch hour, or a daily yoga or pilates practice to help you improve your alignment and strength - really anything that gets your heart pumping!

#PlankTip: Think of your Yoga Practice as 'Action with Skill.' On the Mat, it's easy to listen to the instructor and work on these actions (aka postures) with an awareness of your alignment. However, we at Plank challenge your Off The Mat practice to be just as skillful. Be aware of your alignment in any physical activity, or the activity known as skillful sitting.

3) Take Frequent Breaks

If you work a job that involves a lot of sitting at a desk for several hours a day, make sure you are getting up and walking around/standing every 20 min. It will make a difference! Check out this article from NPR for more on the topic.

#PlankTip: If you get so wrapped up in your work that you forget to do this, consider purchasing an electronic device, like a Fitbit, that reminds you to get up and move frequently.