Over the past several decades, we humans have become more and more sedentary. Because of technology, rather than being outside and moving around, we spend more time in front of a computer screen.
A Few Facts (courtesy of juststand.org)
- The average person sits for 12 hours each day.
- Physical inactivity is risk factor #4 for global mortality.
- Sitting is now considered a disease and refers to the negative side effects of an overly sedentary lifestyle.
Effects of Too Much Sitting
So what happens when you sit all day? Well, the effects aren’t good. When you sit too much, it starts to impact your health, mind and body.
Health
- Decreased energy expenditure
- Slower metabolism
- Increased risk for metabolic disease, diabetes, heart disease and cancer
Mind
- Poor sleep
- Less social connection and face time with others
- Increased feelings of loneliness and more moodiness
Body
- Weight gain
- Poor posture, along with back and neck pain
- Weakened muscles
- Decreased blood flow
The Solution to Sitting
The good news is that the solution to these negative effects is super simple… stand up! Here are a few ideas on how to keep moving throughout the day.
1. Set an alarm or use a reminder.
If you work at a desk, use an alarm or sticky note as a reminder to move more. Set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes. When it goes off, stand up and move. Do a few squats. Stretch. You don’t have to do a full workout; just stand up and move around.
2. Stand when you can.
There’s a reason why standing desks have become so popular. Standing is way better than sitting. So take every opportunity to stand rather than sit – like when you’re on the phone or waiting for an appointment.
3. Take a lunch break.
When lunchtime rolls around, stand up and get away from your desk. Use this time to take a short walk outside or even get in a lunchtime workout.
4. Drink more water.
Drinking more water not only keeps you hydrated but it also keeps you moving throughout the day. You’ll get a chance to stand up when you refill your bottle or glass and will probably find that you need a few more trips to the bathroom, as well.
5. Move outside of your workouts.
A regular workout offers tons of benefits to your body and health. But unfortunately, it’s not enough to combat all the sitting we do the rest of the day. (A tough workout doesn’t always mean that you’ve earned eight hours of uninterrupted couch time.) Make sure that you continue to stand up and move throughout the day.
Ready to let some Rhapsody into your life and surround yourself with a supportive community? Get in touch with Team Rhapsody today and learn more about Rhapsody Fitness in Charleston.
