Studies show that sitting for more than 2 hours at a stretch is unhealthy (no surprise there!). But are you ready for the unexpected flipside to this?
Working out for an hour is not enough to counteract the impact of sitting down for the rest of the day.
Most people spend the majority of the day in a car, at a computer, or on a couch. The good news is that staying active, even if you’re not necessarily “exercising,” is more important than you may realize. Getting out of your chair to stretch, doing a lap around the office parking lot, or standing while you work is crucial. Researchers recommend standing up and moving every 30 minutes.
There are many ways to stand up against sedentary habits at work. By getting up more frequently, you will improve circulation and reduce the risk of joint stiffness. You will improve bone health, keep chronic pain at bay, and reduce back pain and disc damage. Getting up and moving will also increase energy and keep your muscles toned.
Here are some ways to incorporate more movement into your day:
- Walk to communicate with coworkers
- Move around for 1-3 minutes every half hour at work
- Stand up while doing chores
- Bike or walk to work
- Set an alarm to remind you to move
- Move around in between episodes if you watch television
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Park your car farther away
- Try a standing desk
Exercise does not compensate for too much sitting. Train your body to stay in shape by remaining active all day. Contact our office for more ways to improve your daily habits holistically!
