Sitting can be a burden on the body. It can cause the hip flexors and chest muscles to tighten, weaken the core muscles, and even lead to blood clots. People who sit for more than 80% of their day have also been known to have higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure. While traditional exercise helps, the best solution is obvious: sit less.
Sometimes, it is unavoidable. We take long car rides and work in sedentary environments, but it is easily off-set according to the Mayo Clinic. Their suggestions include:
-Stand while talking on the phone or eating lunch.
-If you work at a desk for long periods of time, try a standing desk – or improvise with a high table or counter.
-Walk laps with your colleagues rather than gathering in a conference room for meetings.
-Position your work surface above a treadmill – with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand or a specialized treadmill-ready vertical desk – so that you can be in motion throughout the day.
If you can’t feasibly place your desk above a treadmill, like most people, you can still make small changes to your day. You can take the stairs, park a little further from the door, and remember to get up about every 20 minutes to walk or stretch. For further ideas on how to stay mobile, ask one of our helpful trainers!