Sitting for too long with poor posture is bad for your health, say New Zealand's chiropractors.
Chiropractors from New Zealand and Australia are joining together to promote a Sit Right campaign during May.
New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association spokesman Dr Hayden Thomas explains: "We know that the body will adapt to cater to what you do most often, so as your body adapts to constant sitting it makes you less skilled at basic functions like standing, walking, running and jumping."
Increased computer use is partly to blame for the extra time Kiwis spend sitting, with some of us spending more than half our day in a chair, he says.
But Dr Thomas warns: "Sitting all day can result in muscle stiffness, poor balance and mobility, as well as pain in your lower back, neck and hip. Research has shown that excessive sitting can be lethal.
"The aim of this campaign is to highlight the problems associated with bad posture. Many people don’t realise that when you sit for extended periods in the wrong position this posture can stay with you even when you stand or walk around."
The association is encouraging Kiwis to downloadthe Sit Right Widget, a tool designed to prompt computer users to take more regular breaks.
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