I confess I hunch over when I am sewing and tighten my shoulder, back and neck muscles. I find I need to get up and stretch and walk around every half hour or so, otherwise DH has to pry me out of the chair 'cos I can't move!
At a quilt guild mtg. years ago, we had a Physical Therapist as the speaker. She taught us to sew for 20 minutes, then get up, stretch, roll our heads gently side to side, shrug shoulders up and down. Breatheing techniques too. Breathe in and make your belly push out, not your chest and shoulders raising up. Some other exercises to gently stretch the chest muscles. Quilters and computer people tend to have shortened chest muscles because of the positions of their hands while quilting or typing on the computer. Try putting your elbows behind your back, hold for 10 seconds, do this several times, helps with the shoulder and chest muscles. Having good support behind your back, ie., a pillow, may help too.
carrieg
03-08-2010 05:48 PM
Visualize a string hanging from the ceiling and connected to your head! Don't use the back of your chair for support.
I vaguely remember some site that was yoga for quilters. Try google-ing that and see if there are any good tips.
Honey
03-08-2010 06:54 PM
When I was little, my Mom would have me walk around for 15 or 20 minutes at a time with a book on my head. She did this with all nine of us. I still do it and it helps me stand straight.
kat112000
03-08-2010 07:04 PM
Sorry I am no help, I have scoliosis and haven't sat up straight ever! My piano teacher and mom would nag me to death about my posture, before they knew I had a crocked spine. I refused surgery and sometimes regret that decision!!
KarenSimon
03-08-2010 11:38 PM
How do you break a habit? By practice, practice, practice.
beachlady
03-09-2010 05:58 AM
We are suppose to sit straight and sew? Never knew that!!!!
craftiladi
03-09-2010 06:15 AM
I love those sewing studio set ups where everything is within easy reach from the sewing machine BUT....I purposely won't set mine up that way..having to get up to press etc forces me out of the chair and yes I have to constantly remind myself to straighten up. Lately its been my whole right arm giving me fits to the point where my hand goes numb.
Boston1954
03-10-2010 03:49 PM
I have to remind myself. Only when I feel the strain do I really take notice.
Oklahoma Suzie
03-20-2010 06:09 AM
I somehow remind myself.
Deb53
01-09-2011 06:59 AM
I also try not to have too many things extra close - such as
ironing board, cutting mat, etc. That makes me get up and move. Also I use a timer for many things - including telling me when to stop sewing and stretch.
