Legs crossed: what are the health risks?
Became famous with the movie scene Basic Instinct, the gesture of the crossed legs is closely related to posture as well as being dangerous for the onset of varicose veins, for blood pressure and also for the nerves of the legs. In short, we must pay attention to it and perhaps it would be appropriate to try to lose this habit Before continuing and deepening, here is a video with exercises to tone the legs.
Legs crossed: meaning and history of the gesture
Behind the move of crossing the legs there are meanings. The first, for example, would mean that if you are having a conversation with a person and cross your legs, admit that the two of you are not on good terms. Both interlocutors, crossing their legs, create a barrier to each other, which means a real rejection as well as disinterest in the situation.
Although we can often control our facial expressions, hands and arm gestures in general, very often the feet and legs are beyond our control and without realizing we find ourselves with our legs crossed. This movement has always been a symbol of charm and sensuality also thanks to the film with Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct).
Crossing or crossing the legs, in some areas of Asia for example, is considered disrespectful, as is sitting in such a way that the soles of shoes can be seen. Studying body language and knowing how to interpret all the gestures and movements of our interlocutor , allows us to discover a lot about him even if it is the first time we see him. In the game of seduction you have to know how to cross your legs, it is not a trivial gesture, and you have to consider that it is not very nice to swing your crossed leg, as denotes lascivious attitude.
Also, keeping your legs crossed can mean a sign of self-protection: the tighter the crossing, the more intense this aspect is. But that's not all, there are other things to observe to understand body language, an example it is the proxemics, the inclination of the torso forward, the rigidity of the crossed leg and the foot suspended from the ground and the possible closing of the arms.
See also
The risks of crossing your legs
One of the first risks connected to the crossing of the legs concerns the back and the knees which would be affected by possible disorders related to this position often taken above all by women. If you love being in this position then, know that many parts of the body could be affected, so the most effective solution could be only one: do not stay in the same position for long.
Some studies have pointed out that the crossing of the legs represents a considerable effort for different parts of the body and there are consequences that are encountered: irreversible pain in the knee, exaggerated efforts for the hip and fatigue also for the pelvic floor. In short, none of this is to be underestimated so better be careful.
All workers who carry out a profession that plans to spend many hours at the desk, should pay particular attention to the fact of keeping their legs crossed: it would be really deleterious to do it for so long, so the ideal would be to make sure you keep your legs stretched out, perhaps helping yourself. with the use of a footrest. If you really can't resist and want to cross your legs, do it only during a break and for a few minutes.
As for the risk related to varicose veins, in this case a lot is due to hereditary factors and is aggravated by age and weight; so crossing your legs or not, it wouldn't make much difference.
But we have the good news: crossing your legs does not cause hypertension!
Sitting with your legs crossed is certainly not good for your back because it prevents you from maintaining an upright position and, over time, has a negative effect on your posture: crossed legs cause stress and tension in the lower and rear spine with consequent discomfort and pain.
The upper knee presses on the lower knee, the pelvis is rotated and contracted, the lower back at risk of soreness. It is wrong to think of solving the situation by simply switching legs, you would make the situation worse by finding yourself with double the pain.
What is the correct posture?
Pose for a photo with your legs crossed is fine, but if we have to stay like this for many hours then it's better to avoid and change positions. The best position, when we are seated at the desk, provides for the possibility of crossing the legs but only at the height of the feet and ankles, leaving the thighs free.
Whatever position we take, the rule to be respected is not to do it for a long time. Move your legs even while sitting and stand up from time to time to allow the blood to flow freely to every point of the body.
Legs crossed when we are on the sofa
One of the typical moments in which we cross our legs is when we relax on the sofa perhaps in front of a movie or a TV series. We need to make sure that the lumbar part of the spine is resting on the backrest and is not bent forward. It is essential not to sink into the sofa, and an imaginary space should be formed between the back and thighs, so as to form a 90 degree angle.
To avoid muscle contractures, it is better to be able to rest the head as well. Absolutely to avoid staying for a long time with the pelvis lower than the legs: to be avoided as this position does not favor the respect of the physiological curvature of the spine and could be a problem especially for those suffering from herniated discs.
Cross-legged FAQs
Does keeping their legs crossed for a long time make them fall asleep?
In general, assuming the same position for many hours, especially if it is a position that is not natural for the human body, can lead to paresthesia, a sensation of a limb asleep with consequent unpleasant tingling. It happens to everyone and it's nothing serious, just move your hand, arm or leg for a few moments to "awaken" the area. It can also happen with the legs crossed especially in the knee area. The advice is always to change position and loosen the whole body by taking two steps.
Can crossing the legs cause pain in the knees?
The knees are the first to be affected by the position of the crossed legs: the upper knee presses on the lower knee during the crossing of the legs and this can cause pain even up to a few days. If you have weak ligaments or cartilage, pay even more attention to this unhealthy position.
Is Crossing Your Legs During Pregnancy Dangerous?
In the past it was believed that crossing the legs could reduce the space intended for the fetus inside the uterus or even crush certain parts of the baby's body. Nothing more false! The risks of crossing the legs are not related to pregnancy, but rather to the posture that affects the woman throughout her life and not only during gestation.
