November 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to our November newsletter.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re delving into a topic that affects so many of us working in the office: the paradox of being “actively sedentary.” We explore why your meticulously planned workouts might be struggling to counteract the hours spent at your desk, especially as we head indoors for the winter.

You’ll also find updates on the CGP team, details about CGP Gift Vouchers and a reminder about our fantastic CGP branded cork massage balls, an essential addition to your self-care toolkit.

“Why Your Desk Might Be Undoing Your Workouts This Winter: Understanding ‘Actively Sedentary’ Lifestyles”

With shorter and colder days, many of us find ourselves indoors more often — and sitting for longer. Even if you run, cycle, gym, lift, or practice Pilates regularly, long hours in a sedentary posture can quietly undo some of the mobility and postural benefits you gain from exercise. This is a pattern often referred to as being “actively sedentary” — physically active in your training, but spending most of the working day seated.

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights that prolonged sitting can influence hip mobility, spinal alignment, and muscle balance around the shoulders and lower back. You may notice this as tight hips when you stand up, stiffness in the mid/upper-back, or that creaky “old person” feeling when getting up from sitting. — even if you are fit and strong overall.

The Good News

You don’t need to change much to help. Small, regular interruptions to sitting are enough to break the stiffness cycle.

Standing or moving every 30–45 minutes (even just to stretch, refill your water, or reset your posture) helps. Gentle  stretches and the correct movements can counter the effects of sitting and remind your body that it is designed to move, not stay fixed in one shape.

These small habits support better posture, help maintain the benefits of your workouts, and improve comfort throughout the working day.

Making Better Use of Your Sit–Stand Desk

If you use a sit–stand desk, the aim isn’t to stand all day but to keep changing position regularly.  Ideally sitting for 30–40 minutes, standing for 10–15, and moving briefly in between. This simple rhythm encourages your body to stay mobile and helps prevent the stiff, compressed feeling that can build up over the course of the day.

Gentle Mobility You Can Do at Your Desk

Neck Side Stretches.
Trunk Rotations.
Standing Back Extensions.
Standing Side Bends.

Done regularly, they  help your body stay mobile, reduce tension and make your workouts feel smoother and more effective.

If You’re Feeling Stiff or Restricted

You don’t need to wait until something becomes painful. Book in for a physiotherapy assessment where we can help identify your specific needs and set up a tailored programme unique to you. 

Book online or contact us via email or telephone, details below. 

020 3161 4646 or info@coventgardenphysio.com  

Team news & Service updates

We are sad to be saying farewell to Jonathan Dave. Jonathan’s last day at the clinic is 20th November 2025. He has been a valued member of the team, and we will miss his contributions and presence. We wish him the very best of luck and every success with his future endeavours.

Laryngeal Therapy: This service will cease on 20th November 2025. However, we recommend a trusted colleague (Timo Dahlstedt) who has worked closely with us and been part of the extended Covent Garden Physio team for many years. Please contact us for more details. 

GP Gift Vouchers: The Value of Optimal Health:

For a truly considered and beneficial present (suitable for Christmas or any special occasion throughout the year) CGP Gift Vouchers provide access to our clinical services – Physiotherapy, Sports Massage and Pilates. 

This gift offers a valuable way to support a loved one’s physical health, recovery, and performance. Recipients benefit as they have the flexibility to select the precise treatment tailored to their needs, promoting effective health management.

Purchasing is simple: you determine the monetary value, and we will prepare the voucher immediately. To arrange a voucher, please visit our clinic or contact us via email or telephone. 

Call us on 020 3161 4646 or email info@coventgardenphysio.com    

Covent Garden Physio cork massage ball. 

This simple tool is a brilliant and straightforward way to self-manage and ease muscle tension, helping you maintain comfort between appointments. They also make a lovely, thoughtful gift for a friend of family member. Available at CGP reception. 

Thanks for reading, hope you are well and see you very soon. 

All the very best,

Kevin Kong

Clinic Director