Exercises for the Virtual Professional
So, you've taken the step of working from home. Congratulations! Use of the Internet is the way to reach millions of clients and to make a decent paycheck. While working from home is a wonderful opportunity, we forget that we need to get up and stretch our bodies.
Did you know....
Work-related muscoluskeletal disorders account for 34% of all workday illnesses and injury. (Source: OSHA)
1.8 Million workers experience repetitive stress injuries each year. (Source: OSHA)
Performance of clerical workers improved as much as 15% with ergonomically acceptable workstations and seating. (Source: State Farm Insurance)
OSHA estimates that 50 cents of every dollar spent on medical costs will be for treating cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). (Source: OSHA)
Indirect cost (overtime, replacement, attorney fees) from work-related musculoskeletal disorders to U.S. businesses may run as high as $45 - $60 billion per year. (Source: OSHA)
Workmens compensation claims due to physical stress have tripled since 1980. 60% are estimated to relate to poor ergonomic conditions. (Source: OSHA)
What Now? With this in mind, and having a work-at-home business, most of us do not have health insurance to cover for injuries that may be associated to muscoluskeletal disorders due to the lack of exercising.
Appropriate exercise, done regularly, will provide the strength and flexibility in the muscles and will help avoid excessive strain and possible injury. Strong abdominal, back and leg muscles play a vital role in maintaining good body mechanics and posture.
The VAPs guide provides office ergonomics thus allowing the proper and safe use of computer equipment. Safe computer use, including typing and mouse methods, body posture and office station placements will help in the prevention of musculoskeletal problems.
Major causes of strain are:
Improper Body Alignment
Repetitious movements of arms, wrist, legs, back and neck
Prolong Positions
Inadequate Vision/Lighting
Four Basic Fitness Components:
Flexibility - The absolute range of movement in a joint, or series of joints, that is attainable in a momentary effort, with the help of a partner, or piece of equipment. Flexibility is basically the range of motion each compound muscle group of your body can perform.
Muscular Strength - Muscular Strength is the ability of your bodys muscles, to generate Maximum Force, in a short period of time.
Cardiovascular Endurance - Cardiovascular fitness is the ability of the lungs, heart and blood vessels to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the cells to meet the demands of prolonged physical activity.
Muscular Endurance - Muscle Endurance is the measure of how well muscles can repeatedly generate force, and the amount of time they can maintain activity. Muscular Endurance is the practical use of raw strength.
Helpful Tidbits:
The Internet provides numerous desk exercises that can be incorporated into your daily schedule. Just a few of these simple exercises worked into your schedule each day will do wonders for your muscles. And your body will thank you for it!
Judith L. Thelwell, has become a popular advisor and consultant for the virtual administrative profession. Her e-booklets have been an inspiration and a gold mine to many professionals who have ventured into the virtual world. For more informative booklets, please contact her at the following: jthelwell@execs.com or visit her website at: Corporate Office Solutions"