The Dangers of Sitting too much

A sedentary lifestyle has become quite common. We spend hours working at a desk, sitting behind the wheel, and then coming home to the couch. However, our bodies aren’t meant to be seated for these extended periods of time. 

Sitting requires us to use less energy than if we are standing or moving. Spending too many hours seated has been proven to be harmful to overall health. A seated posture puts increased pressure on your spine and other joints, leading to back and hip pain. It is also linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In fact, research demonstrated sitting more than 8 hours a day and engaging in no physical activity, leads to a risk of premature death similar to obesity and smoking. 

Incorporating movement into your day makes a huge difference! Physical activity can strengthen your muscles, increase energy levels, and improve your mental well-being. 

Here are some simple ways to incorporate movement into your day:

• Stand up from your chair and stretch once every 30 mins 

• Try using a standing desk at work 

• Stand or walk while on phone calls

• Listen to a podcast, your favourite artist, or call a friend and take a walk

• Swap an hour of TV time with some more active leisure activities