It is common for actors in the Indian film industry to push their physical limits to bring characters to life. This commitment can range from performing their stunts to undergoing drastic weight transformations to perfectly portray their characters.
“But I also have to keep an eye out for my health. Mujhe maalum nahi tha main yeh role kar paungi ya nahi (I didn’t know whether I would be able to do this role or not). Ki main itni mehnat kar paungi. (Will I be able to do the hard work?) Kya mera jo shareer hai (Will my body)… I feel it’s a new body for me. Will I be able to take it or not?”
She talked about having to sit for seven hours at a stretch. “Agar mere mein wo zeal nahi hoti, wo passion nahi hota, karne ki chaah nahi hoti… nahi kar pata koi (If I didn’t have that zeal or passion to do it then, no one can do it).
“Aap toh do ghante nahi baith paoge ek position mein… main toh saat saat ghante aise uncomfortable zone mein baithi hui thi (You won’t even be able to sit in the same position for two hours… I had to sit for seven hours in that uncomfortable zone).”
Prolonged sitting is a common occupational hazard, affecting many today. (Source: Freepik)
Potential issues that can arise from sitting in the same position for an extended period
Prolonged sitting is a common occupational hazard, affecting many today. Sedentary behaviour to a host of health issues.
Dr Raghu Nagaraj, director, Institute of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Robotic Joint Replacement at Kauvery Hospitals, Bengaluru says, “Extended periods of sitting, especially in a fixed position, can lead to musculoskeletal problems including lower back pain, neck strain, and an increased risk of developing repetitive strain injuries.”
The lack of movement can cause muscle stiffness and discomfort due to the static nature of the posture.
Sitting for long hours can put excessive pressure on the back, he says, especially the lumbar region, and reduce overall flexibility and strength of the muscles supporting the spine.
Health risks associated with prolonged sitting
Prolonged sitting can significantly affect blood circulation, Dr Nagaraj confirms, leading to the pooling of blood in the legs. This can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and exacerbate the formation of varicose veins.
“The lack of muscle movement during prolonged sitting means that the muscles do not contract to pump blood as effectively back to the heart, which can cause circulatory problems and contribute to cardiovascular risks,” he says.
Strategies to mitigate negative health effects
Dr Nagaraj recommends Individuals to stand up and move around at least every 30 minutes to alleviate pressure on the spine and stimulate blood circulation. This can include light stretching or walking.
“Setting up an ergonomic workspace can help in maintaining proper posture. This includes adjusting the chair height so that feet can rest flat on the floor and using a desk that supports the arms comfortably,” he adds.
Additionally, incorporate stretches that target the back, legs, and neck to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Exercises like shoulder shrugs, wrist stretches, and ankle rotations can help maintain muscle function and support circulation.