It’s well-established that spending too much time sitting (ahem, working at a desk) could have an impact on our bodies. Sitting all day can decrease muscle strength and is linked to bad health outcomes like heart disease . But is all sitting created equal? Some folks say sitting on the ground is actually good for your health, and should be done regularly ― a concept that almost seems too good to be true.
Below, experts shared with HuffPost the pros and cons of sitting on the floor — and why no one posture is ideal. Sitting cross-legged on the ground can be good for mobility and flexibility. Most adults likely don’t often find themselves frequently sitting on the floor in the cross-legged position.
But kids who regularly sit and play on the floor may be onto something. “I really think from a health benefits or a musculoskeletal condition standpoint, that [cross-legged sitting] posture really does help us with ..
. hip, low back and knee range of motion,” said Dr. Christopher Bise , an assistant professor in the department of physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh.
It also helps keep our lower body flexible, he said. Dr. Jennifer O’Connell , a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, added that “one of the problems with sitting in a chair is that it’s a position where your hamstrings tend to be tight — sitting in a cross legged position may help that somewhat.
” But if you aren’t able to get yourself down to the floor, you can.