The Sad Truth About Sitting
If you didn’t know this already, I hate to be the bearer of bad news… sitting is bad for us.
You probably already know that exercise is essential to health. Many of us rise and shine and get our movement on first thing, and then… we sit. Sad trombone. The typical US adult is sedentary 60 percent of their waking hours and sits an average of six hours per day!
The nitty gritty:
Sitting decreases the activity of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL) which helps burn fat.
Too much sedentary time decreases bone mineral density without increasing bone formation, raising fracture risk.
Excess sitting increases blood pressure and decreases the diameter of arteries, both make heart disease more likely
Studies show sitting could shorten your life span.
Sitting time can still be harmful, even if you’re hitting the recommended 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week guideline. One study showed 40 percent greater risk of death for those who sat more than six hours a day versus those who sat less than three.
The “active couch potato” phenomenon has become the norm. We might get some movement in, but after we sit staring at a screen and it’s just not good for us. But like Gretchen Wiener says, “YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US!!!”
Good news is, with some little tweaks, you can cut down on your sit time. Standing makes a big difference, even if you’re just stopping for standing breaks throughout the day, it’s worth it to give it a try.
TIPS TO CURB THE SIT!
Invest in a standing desk
Work at a treadmill desk
Walk or bike to work
Take a standing or walking break every hour
Stand up at meetings
Sit more actively- on a yoga ball, sitting disc, changing positions frequently
Set a reminder on your phone to walk outside and come back to work
Put your laptop up on a shelf for Zoom meetings
What are some tips you have for getting off your rear more often through the day?
Content adapted from ChrisKresser.com
