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How much time have you spent sitting down this week?

But excessive sitting can have unwanted effects on your body.

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating Pilates exercises on a yoga mat

One of the major reasons for aches and pains is the actual position sitting puts us in.

Luckily, one of the easiest ways to fight this is free: you simply need to move.

Complete all prescribed repetitions for each move before progressing to the next one.

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating a spine stretch forward

Where possible, give a shot to transition smoothly between the exercises.

Spine stretch forward

Repetitions:5

2.

Spine twist

Repetitions:5 on each side

3.

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating a spine twist

Shoulder bridge

Repetitions:6-8

4.

Lateral stretch

Repetitions:4-6 on each side

5.

Extension with Pilates ball

Repetitions:60 seconds

How does movement fight the effects of too much sitting down?

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating a shoulder bridge

If moving in different planes each day sounds like a lot of work, its not!

A sedentary lifestyle has also been linked to other negative health outcomes.

However, upping your activity levels can counter this.

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating a lateral stretch

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating an extension with Pilates ball

Shape Pilates founder Gemma Folkard demonstrating a shoulder bridge on a yoga mat