Functional fitness for professional sitters

This is an edited summary of Talking Tips interview with  Judy Croston, lifestyle and mobility specialist. Judy has a Bachelor of Home Economics in nutrition from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. She has worked in Canberra as a gym manager and fitness instructor.

What is functional fitness?

Functional fitness means being fit for life, having a body that is in balance and works efficiently so that we have less aches and pains.

What is a professinal sitter and what are some training practical tips?

A professional sitter is a person who earns their income by mainly sitting, such as an accountant, PA, or receptionist. When we sit for 4 to 10 hours in the same positional, this position becomes the normal position. It's important to teach the professional sitter how to release those strong tight muscles and lengthen the less used, weaker muscles.

Stretching is important. For example: sit tall, lift the rib cage up, make a double chin so the head slides back to rest on the shoulders, push the butt back into the chair, bow forward. Come back up, let the shoulders roll back, look ahead with the eyes up over the computer screen, take a long breath, let the shoulders fall, roll them again, and back to work.

Why would I use a mobility and lifestyle specialist?

I help people mover easily, like when we were a kid. As we get older, our lifestyle changes, and we become less mobile. It's important to be mobile for whatever work we do, in ways that fit into our lifestyle. This may take some brainwashing - changing the way we do things, old habits that cause us to become less mobile. I create a fitness program within a person's lifestyle. If our normal position is slumped, then we will return to this when tired and stressed. I find small changes that will make a large physical change so people feel successful. And yes, it is possible to make changes, no matter how long we have been on the planet.

Judy Croston can be contacted on 0405 721 498  or visit www.judycroston.com.au.

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.