It’s the way many people prefer to sit in a chair, whether they’re on the couch at home or in the office.
But now an expert has revealed the reasons why people shouldn’t sit cross-legged and the long-term effects the habit can have on the body.
There are two ways people choose to sit cross-legged in a chair: by the knees or by the ankles.
While this may feel very comfortable, it can potentially have very detrimental effects on the body – from increased blood pressure to a reduction in sperm count.
It is estimated that 62 percent of people cross right over left, 26 percent prefer the opposite, and 12 percent have no preference, according to The conversation.
But Professor Adam Taylor, director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Center at Lancaster University, has revealed why you should avoid sitting cross-legged.
There are two ways people choose to sit cross legged in a chair and that is by the knee or by the ankles
Misalignment of the skeleton
Sitting habits can have a huge impact on the body.
Research suggests that sitting cross-legged can cause hip misalignment — when one hip is higher than the other.
Crossing the legs can also produce long-lasting changes in the way the bones are arranged in the spine and shoulders.
The head may also be out of place due to the changes in the bones of the neck caused by overcompensation of the spin to keep the center of gravity of the mid body above the pelvis.
The neck, pelvis, and lower back can also be affected, as over time, sitting cross-legged can create a muscle imbalance between the right and left sides of the body, leading to weakness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion.
More seriously, this shaping of the legs can also increase the likelihood of scoliosis — when the spine twists and bends to the side, according to Professor Taylor.
Sperm production
Research has suggested that sitting with one leg on top of the other can affect a man’s sperm count.
When sitting, the temperature of the testicles already rises by 2C.
But this figure rises to 3.5C (38.3F) when the legs are crossed.
But the ideal temperature for sperm production is 2C to 6C (35.6F to 42.8F) below body temperature, which is around 37C (98.6F).
Studies suggest that higher temperatures can lower a man’s sperm count and reduce sperm quality — which can make it more difficult to conceive naturally.
However, men are less likely to cross their legs than women.
Professor Taylor said: ‘Because of differences in the anatomy of men and women, it is probably much easier for women to sit cross-legged – especially as men have reduced range of motion at the hip.’
Blood clots
Cross-legged sitting restricts blood vessels in the lower extremities.
This slows the speed of blood through your veins and can lead to blood clots.
Blood clots are gel-like collections of blood that form when blood changes from liquid to partially solid.
Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in the leg or pelvis, usually caused by insufficient exercise, such as sitting for a long time at work or recovering from surgery.
Blood clots can be a normal physical reaction, such as when the skin is cut or scraped, as it prevents excessive bleeding and turns into a scab.
Professor Taylor concluded: ‘It’s probably better not to cross your legs if you can.
“While that said, many of the risk factors associated with crossing your legs are likely compounded by other underlying issues, such as a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.”
“That’s why the most important advice is not to sit still for too long in the same position and to stay active regularly.”