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Nien-Ken Alec Lu for HuffPost When it comes to mobility and flexibility, sitting on the ground from time to time actually has health benefits. It’s well-established that spending too much time sitting (ahem, working at a desk) could have an impact on our bodies. Sitting all day can decrease muscle strength and is linked to bad health outcomes like heart disease .

But is all sitting created equal? Some folks say sitting on the ground is actually good for your health, and should be done regularly ― a concept that almost seems too good to be true. Advertisement Below, experts shared with HuffPost the pros and cons of sitting on the floor — and why no one posture is ideal. Sitting cross-legged on the ground can be good for mobility and flexibility.



Most adults likely don’t often find themselves frequently sitting on the floor in the cross-legged position. But kids who regularly sit and play on the floor may be onto something. Advertisement “I really think from a health benefits or a musculoskeletal condition standpoint, that [cross-legged sitting] posture really does help us with .

.. hip, low back and knee range of motion,” said Dr.

Christopher Bise , an assistant professor in the department of physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. It also helps keep our lower body flexible, he said. Dr.

Jennifer O’Connell , a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, added that “one of the problems with sitting in a chair is that it’s a position w.

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