photo credit: twoblueday via photopin cc
If you exercise regularly yet have a job that requires sitting for 8 hours per day, you may not be as healthy as you think.
Where is the justice?
According to an article published in the Journal of Preventative Medicine on behalf of the Women’s Health Initiative. The researchers found that the longer one sits in a day, the higher incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This was also apparent in those women who exercised regularly, too. Apparently, each of these behaviors (sitting and exercising) has an independent effect on health.
So what can you do if your job requires you to sit all day? Many companies are trying out the new treadmill desks which allow employees to check email and such while moving at a pace of about 2 mph. As the cost of these machines can be quite high, here are some tips to get you out of your chair. Set your smartphone alarm for every 30-60 minutes and get up and move around and stretch. Some employees have even figured a way to raise their computer on their desk so that they can stand at their desk as an option. Another option is to try standing while on the phone.
What about exercise? Anything you do is better than nothing at all. Get away from the all or nothing approach. Try and walk for 15 minutes per day. Be consistent with that. Then perhaps increase the time and or days per week. This stair step approach to increasing activity is tried and true. In addition, stretch hip flexors, glutes and low back extensors to counteract prolonged sitting.
Just as I was ready to hit the “publish” button, I came across yet another article that details the chronic ill effects of prolonged sitting. Print the pictures of the exercises and put them up near your desk or the water cooler. Check out the exercises and do ’em! You will thank yourself.
Now if you will excuse me, I’ve got to get up and move. I’ve been sitting too long!