Most of us know that physical activity is good for us - the idea that we should "move more" isn't a new idea.
So it would seem obvious that people who have active jobs, and spend most of the day moving, are more healthy than those people who sit in a chair all day.
But science shows us this is untrue. Voluntary physical activity is good - but forced physical activity is actually harmful. Exercise that we have to do as part of our employment can end up increasing inflammation throughout the body, prolongs a higher heart rate and raises blood pressure both inside and outside of work. Worse, the activity is often not strenuous enough to reap any strengh gains, and goes on too long, meaning our bodies don't recover properly, and nagging injuries don't heal, or get worse. Voluntary physical activity is the polar opposite: it reduces inflammation, lowers heart rate over time, reduces blood pressure, encourages strength gains and, when spaced out properly, allows for good recovery.
So why is walking on a postal round bad, but walking the dog good?
Scientists call this question "The Exercise Paradox" or "Physical Activity Paradox", and while they don't definitely know the answer yet, they have some ideas, and some of them are not what you'd think! In amongst the obvious theories - like it's not intense enough, or there's not enough recovery time, is the idea that our bodies react differently to exercise we choose to do, and exercise we have to do. When it comes to exercise at work, there are often psychological stressors - things that cause us stress - involved. The postman needs to get his round done in a certain time. The gym instructor needs to monitor everyone in a class and make sure they're all doing it safely. The production line worker has to keep up the pace and can't take a break unless it's at a set time. We know that our psychology can affect our physical bodies, and some scientists think that these psychological stressors affect how our body responds to activity, helping to cause these negative outcomes rather than the positive results we'd normally expect from exercise. So how can we help you if you're struggling with problems due to exercise you have to do at work? We use RAPID NeuroFascial Reset at State 11, which can work to calm your autonomous nervous system and encourage healing. So, even though the treatment we do is uncomfortable, many clients will notice that their heart rate actually drops during a treatment. RAPID also encourages you to reconnect with your body and focus on ability rather than injury, so you feel stronger and more able to manage, which can help with the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that can often come with a job we dislike.
If you've been hurt at work, why not find out how we can help you? Contact us via email at info@state11.co.uk or give us a call on 07788 287098 to book your appointment today.
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