I iron after every seam I sew, if my ironing board were in another room I would have to skip that step. I have mine set up so I can just turn the swival chair and presto the iron is there. Getting up and down puts to much pressure on my knees. Which causes it own problems. I do get up to measure and cut, lay the pieces out on the floor etc..
I excercise regurally in the AM, plus I do some stretching excercises during the day to keep loose.
Joyce