We see this headline in newspapers, magazines and even medical journals. But, what does this quote mean exactly? We know smoking can cause certain cancers and heart disease. What does sitting cause? For many of us, it’s hard to believe sitting all day could be as detrimental to our health as smoking. Unfortunately, it is true. Muscular and skeletal injury and pain can be attributed to sitting. Extensive sitting can even cause heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
First of all, a sedentary lifestyle can have long-term effects on our hips and back. Just the position of sitting weakens the large muscle groups of hamstring and gluteal areas. These muscles, when weak, do not offer proper support. Unfortunately, many suffer tight hamstrings, low back pain, stiff neck and tight shoulders from prolonged sitting or desk jobs.
The risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, anxiety, depression and even varicose veins can be caused by lack of standing and movement. Not to mention the potential for weight gain, which is also attributed to sitting for prolonged periods of time. The question is how do we get up and move when we have a sit-down job?
Working out regularly is always a good idea, but if that is not an option there are other daily activities one can add.
HOW TO STAY ACTIVE WHILE WORKING SEDENTARY JOBS:
1 Take stairs any time you can.
2 Park far away from entrances at work and shopping. This is a great way to add steps.
3 Stand every time you talk on the phone during the day.
4 Try to get a desk that allows you to stand as well as sit.
5 Walk or bike to work, and if you take the bus, get off a stop early to walk.
6 There are many devices, such as Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi, Misfit and Polar that are used to track your steps throughout the day. These can be beneficial to track your movement and help set goals.
7 Walk with family members or friends. It has been proven when people have someone to walk with they are more likely to follow through with the activity. Buddy systems work!
8 If you have a lunch period, use part of it to stand and move, maybe fit in a walk.
Just remember, every little bit of standing and moving over years helps to counteract the effects sitting can have on our bodies. N
By: Diana Okon
Photography By: Joel Riner
