The human body was not meant to be crammed into chairs, couches, and cars for hours at a time. Research (and common sense) is finally revealing the devastating results this is having on our health. Prolonged sitting has been found to switch off the cellular responses that promote healthy blood flow, metabolism, muscle activation, and bone growth.
If you are in a phase of your life where your work, education, or family situation demands long periods of sitting, try to make some changes:
- Shoot for a minimum of 15 minutes of standing every hour
- Set a timer on your phone or “plan out” scheduled walks
- Incorporate a standing desk at your workplace
Important to Note: Exercising regularly DOES NOT offset these effects. It certainly contributes to your healthy requirements of movement for the day, but you still need to be aware of prolonged sitting.
This is a habit that requires a little effort to change but will have a huge payoff. Remember that chronic conditions take years to develop, so take charge of this essential habit today!
