You’ve probably been told at some point in your life that sitting cross legged is bad for you. But is this true? And if it is, what are the consequences?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the health risks associated with sitting cross legged and find out whether or not you should be avoiding this position.
What Is Sitting Cross Legged And How It Bad For You?
Most people sit cross legged without even realizing it. Sitting cross legged simply means that your legs are crossed at the knee, with one leg resting on top of the other. This position is also sometimes called “criss-cross applesauce.”
For many people, sitting cross legged is a comfortable way to sit. It allows you to take up less space and can be helpful if you’re trying to save on furniture or floor space.
Sitting cross legged can also help improve your posture by aligning your spine and pelvis correctly. When done correctly, sitting cross legged can help reduce back pain.
So, what’s the problem?
The main problem with sitting cross legged is that it can put pressure on your perineal nerve. This nerve runs from your spine through your pelvis and down to your legs. When this nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your legs and buttocks.
In some cases, sitting cross legged can also contribute to varicose veins. This is because crossing your legs at the knee prevents blood from flowing freely through your leg veins back to your heart. This can cause the veins to become enlarged and twisted.
Varicose veins are usually not harmful, but they can be painful and unsightly. If you have varicose veins, you may notice them more when you sit cross legged, as this position can exacerbate the symptoms.
You May Get: Most Comfortable Chair To Sit Cross Legged
So, should you avoid sitting cross legged?
There’s no need to avoid sitting cross legged altogether. However, if you find that sitting cross legged causes you pain or discomfort, it’s best to listen to your body and take a break from this position.
If you have varicose veins, you may want to avoid sitting cross legged for long periods. Crossing your legs at the knee puts additional pressure on the veins in your legs, which can worsen the symptoms of varicose veins.
If you have back pain, sitting cross legged may help relieve some of your pain. However, be sure to sit up straight and avoid slouching, as this can put additional strain on your back.
Health Benefits of Sitting Cross Legged
In addition to helping improve your posture, sitting cross legged has many other health benefits.
- Sitting cross legged can help increase flexibility in your hips and pelvis. This position stretches the muscles and tendons around your hips, which can help reduce stiffness and improve your range of motion.
- Sitting cross legged can also help improve circulation in your legs. As we mentioned earlier, crossing your legs at the knee prevents blood from flowing freely through your leg veins. However, this position also helps stimulate blood flow by contracting the muscles in your legs.
- Finally, sitting cross legged can help strengthen your core muscles. This position requires you to engage your abdominal and back muscles to maintain balance, which can help tone these muscles over time.
So, there you have it! Sitting cross legged is not necessarily bad for you, but it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks if this position causes pain or discomfort.
However, this position does have some health benefits, including increased flexibility and improved circulation. So, go ahead and sit cross legged when you can – just be sure to stretch afterward!
Also Read: Are Recliners Bad For Leg Circulation?
How to sit cross-legged without hurting yourself?
If sitting cross-legged causes you pain or discomfort, there are a few things you can do to make this position more comfortable.
- First, try sitting on a pillow or blanket. This will elevate your hips and take some of the pressure off of your perineal nerve.
- Second, make sure to sit up straight. Slouching can put additional strain on your back and neck, so be sure to sit up tall and keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Finally, take breaks often. If you’re going to be sitting in one position for a while, it’s important to move around and stretch every few minutes. This will help reduce stiffness and prevent pain.
When done correctly, sitting cross legged is a great way to improve your posture and flexibility.
However, if this position causes you pain, be sure to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. With a little practice, you should be able to find a comfortable way to sit cross legged without hurting yourself.
Did You Know: Can Sitting In A Recliner Cause Blood Clots?
Bottom Line
Sitting cross legged is generally safe and won’t cause any long-term damage. However, if you have varicose veins or back pain, you may want to avoid sitting in this position for long periods.
If you find that sitting cross legged causes you pain or discomfort, listen to your body and take a break from this position.
So, sitting cross legged isn’t necessarily bad for you, but it may not be the most comfortable position if you have certain conditions. Do what feels best for your body and listen to your body’s cues!