Eight years have passed since the article "Finding Time for Fitness" was featured in the OBA member magazine, JUST., in January 26, of 2016. Since then, we made it through some challenging years of Covid and found ourselves in a place where the office landscape has been forever changed for many. Some things stayed the same like being chained to a desk in front of a screen for long hours which tightened up our hips, lower back and neck. Sitting is considered the new smoking according to the health biohackers. It might be a little over-exaggerated, but sitting for long periods will change your spinal alignment, biomechanics and reduce your step count. Smoking will absolutely shorten your lifespan, and so will poor posture according to the experts in health and wellness.
Back in 2016, Kim Whaley was featured in the OBA article doing exercises and stretches to offset being stuck at a desk for long hours. Kim offered up sensible ways of finding the time to stay fit. The exercises were accessible for everyone who could sit, stand and breathe. This follow-up is more involved, with the intention to create real change for your spine which will improve your posture and your desk performance. Kim and I were reunited in late 2022. I introduced her to Eldoa and Myofascial Stretching, which I had been practicing and teaching since 2017. Both were the creations of Osteopath Dr. Guy Voyer, an expert in anatomy and human biomechanics. Eldoa is a French acronym. Translated into English, it means: longitudinal osteo articular decoaptation stretches. Not necessarily the best elevator pitch, so let’s just call it healthy stretching for the spine. There are specific Eldoas for every vertebrae of the spine, 33 in total, which can be used to reduce pain, strengthen and improve posture, which are just a few of the many benefits of Eldoa. Myofascial Stretching is actually a misnomer because it’s more like strengthening your muscles and fascial system in its extreme range, which is great for injury prevention, recovery and improving posture.
In late 2023, I was reunited with a client I had worked with 24 years ago: Lisa Laredo of Laredo Law, specializing in will and administration of estates. Lisa was looking to get out of chronic pain largely caused by occupational hazard primarily sitting at a desk. I instinctively knew that Myofascial stretching and Eldoa were going to be game-changers for her. Over the lapsed years, Kim and Lisa were still finding time for fitness, but as their bodies matured, they needed exercises with purpose and intention, much like many of us north of 40 that spend endless hours at the desk.
Time or lack of it still seems to be one of the biggest challenges busy lawyers have. Fortunately, this program can be completed in less than twenty minutes. Not even enough time for a full billable hour.
The program is broken up into three sections which can be done in chronological order. If you are pressed for time you can choose one or two sections but the rule of thumb is to always finish with the Eldoas. One very important rule is to make sure you are hydrated with WATER before and after your session.
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