3 Ways You Can Counter the Negative Health Effects of Sitting
By Rachelle Hochgraber, trUbalance Nutrition
Did you know that 70 percent of all employees move only a maximum of one hour per day? An analysis of over 10 studies on sitting time found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of dying posed by obesity and smoking! The bottom line, health requires movement.
Movement keeps your blood flowing to support your cardiovascular system, as well as oxygen transport to your brain. After prolonged sitting, your entire body is compromised, including your mood, focus, and energy levels. The good news is””you can absolutely do something about it!
#1 – Engage in exercise. At least 60 minutes per day of moderately intense physical activity will counter the effects of sitting eight hours per day. Here are some members that can help get that physical activity in:
“¢ Better Bodies Pilates
“¢ Bodies Health & Fitness
“¢ SHREDD
“¢ SNAP Fitness
“¢ Planet Fitness
“¢ Orangetheory Fitness
“¢ Motus
“¢ Fit4MOM
#2 – If you don’t have time for exercise before or after work, then take time during the day to move. In the last ten minutes of every hour, consider the following:
“¢ Get up and out of your chair
“¢ Give your eyes a break from the computer and find a window to gaze out for a few minutes
“¢ Do some light stretching
“¢ Drink a full glass of water
“¢ Walk or take a few flights of stairs
“¢ Ask another co-worker to join you to help with accountability and motivation
“¢ Always practice mindfulness and listen to your body.
If you feel an increase in muscle tension, get up, stretch and move about to loosen it up.
#3 – Invest in anti-chair office gadgets. While these gadgets might seem costly, the long-term damage of doing nothing comes at a much higher price.
“¢ Adjustable Sit/Stand Desk
“¢ Desk Top Converter
“¢ Swopper or Yoga Ball Chair
“¢ Mini Trampoline
“¢ Myofascial Release Orbs and Cones
“¢ Wireless Neck and Shoulder Massager