Ergonomics for DIY and work on others

Hair Removal Methods Do-It-Yourself Electrolysis
#1

One of the thing that has most hampered progress for me recently, is ergonomics while working So I’m wondering how others are handling this.

I do 80% of the work on myself, by myself. For this I have a small page sized mirror ( on it’s own stand ) set on a low table. Attached to that mirror is a smallish 12X magnifying mirror. Ok so it was a test setup that has lasted too long. The problem is, while I can sit in chair in front of it,and bend way over and get a good view, after very short period of maybe 5 minutes my back is in agony. When I do get up, it takes several minutes to straiten out.

The other 20% of the time my partner nightfrost works on me. It would be very easy to get a adjustable stool and beuticians bench, but I havent been able to afford that a of yet. So I lay on the bed and he on a chair next to it and he works.

For Nightfrosts work, a minimal investment would probably fix the ergonomics. For my self work though I’m less sure of a good way to do it. I could attach the magnifier tot he bathroom mirror, it would mean I would have to stand up while working but not bend over as far. I’m wondering how others who DIY have their setup because today, I woke up (after a bit of marathon yesterday) and can barely move my back.I tried working, and had to stop almost immediately. I’m half tempted to hang the small mirror above my bed by string, and lie down to do it. Suggestions?

Seana

#2

Well as an update to this, I actually took a few minutes to hang the mirror from the ceiling over my bed by hooks and string. A little ghetto but it works. Gave it a shot this afternoon and it works quite well! I do have to dangle one foot off to use the pedal ( still dont like to do everything automatic) but my back is severely thanking me.The lighting, leaves a little to be desired but that’s easy enough to supplement.

Seana

#3

Hey sweetie. This is definitely a big deal, for sure. I have two suggestions.

First, solving the cause of the problem.

I don’t know how familiar you are with your body and your muscles. I wasn’t really aware of what my abs were until I started to learn tribal belly dancing, and then I realized how little I knew of my body. The reason your back hurts when you bend over a lot is because you’re probably making those muscles do most of the work (and the’re very touchy). If you pull your belly button in a little (like sucking it in), and tense up your lower belly, your abs will support your torso and give your back a break. That’s what all those yoga and dance instructors mean when they talk about having a strong core; it’s a pretty standard start before you do any sort of exercise, to protect your back.

Second, I was having trouble with this yesterday, after (like you) 4-5 hours of nonstop work. I found just putting my mirror and lamp up 5-6 inches on a box (temporarily) helped adjust it to where I could work without bending down.

These are just my observations. If they help you, I’m glad. If you figure it out on your own, then that’s awesome too.

Much love,
Lily

#4

I actually solved this problem, a la mcgyver/ Red green Style. Here’s what I did.

I’m most comfortable, lying down. So I put three small hooks in my ceiling above my bed, and hung the mirror from that. It sits about 4-5 inches from where my face is when my head is resting on a pillow, just enough room to work and because it’s on strings is height adjustable… I can now lie on my bed, leg over the side, and work completely lying down. I hit the pedal with my heel. It works great! I can unhook the 3 strings from the hooks to take it down.I worked for about 7 hours today, and no pain. My arms sometimes get tired from holding them over my face, but that’s about it.

Now for Nightfrost to work, is more of an issue still. The best way to solve this is going to be with an esthetics bed, and a stool. It’s on the agenda, but unfortunately will have to wait until after christmas due to finances. He did about 5 hours on my left cheek on tuesday and had to stop several times because of his back. We’re working on it.

Seana