GET YOUR BODY MOVING AFTER A BUSY WORKDAY WITH TIPS FROM DLE MEMBER CHRISTINA MEUCCI

By Sophie Casciano, DLE Communications Intern, Undergraduate Marketing and Data Analytics Student at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Are you one of those people who spend hours and hours staring at a screen, whether it be for work or leisure? Do you find yourself feeling sluggish, achy and unmotivated after a long day of sitting in front of a computer or at in-person meetings?

Fear not, for DLE member Christina Meucci offers relief tips for rejuvenating after a long day!

Christina is a certified athletic trainer and has extensive experience working with everyone from collegiate athletes to the average active adult. In 2020, she opened The Recovery Room, a sports medicine clinic based in the Berkshires, with services ranging from thorough orthopedic exams to relaxing saunas to assist in body rejuvenation.

“I really started applying my understanding of biomechanics to assess someone’s medical history before recommending a course of action on how to get active,” she explains. “It’s crucial to approach physical activity in a holistic manner, taking into account any underlying conditions, injuries or limitations that a person may have.”

Christina assures there are some simple activities you can do to get your muscles working and your blood pumping. Something as small as taking a walk around the block can make a huge difference in how you feel. Find a route with what Christina calls “baby hills” to get an incline involved for your calves. She also favors lunges, heel raises and heel walks as great exercises to get your body moving.

To wind down at the end of a long day, she recommends stretching with a foam roller to release tension and ease any soreness from the day. Simply lay the foam roller on the ground and roll your body over it, focusing on areas that feel tight or tender. “Foam roll first and then incorporate stretching after while winding down or watching TV,” she advises.

To prepare for a restful night’s sleep, she recommends reading a book, taking a warm bath or practicing some gentle yoga poses. Steer clear of using electronic devices, as the blue light can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

A helpful resource is the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which has stretching videos on their channel. She also recommends this video, which has tips for stretching your lower back and glutes after a day of heavy sitting.

Overall, getting active after being behind a screen all day is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Remember to approach physical activity in a holistic manner, and always consult with a medical professional before starting any new exercise routine.

She sums up, “It can be done in 10 or 15 minutes. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long, weight-bearing gym session to get your body moving. It’s all about finding a balance between stretching and movement that works well for you!”