Do you sit more than 6 hours a day?

BY KERI MCWHIRTER

New research shows that even if you work out every day, you still need moderate activity throughout the day. For those who sit for more than 6 hours a day, it is shown to put you at greater risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and premature death.

Advantages of moving

Getting up and moving around helps burn more calories. Standing an extra hour a day will burn 50 calories. That is 350 extra calories a week, 1400 calories a month and around 5 pounds a year in weight loss.

Along with the additional calorie burn, the health benefits include: lower cholesterol, stronger heart, lower risk of type 2 diabetes and the added benefit of a more positive attitude thanks to the increase in dopamine.

How to get more physical activity throughout the day

• Take the stairs, not the elevator
• Visit a co-worker in person instead of sending that email
• Stand at your desk
• Take a walk on your lunch break
• Clean up your workspace
• Wear comfortable shoes so you want to walk more
• Use hand weights at your desk
• Do some stretches

When it comes down to it

Sitting too long is not good for you, no matter your fitness level. Moving throughout the day is beneficial to your overall health.


References:
Science Daily. “Even Physically Active Women Sit Too Much, Study Finds”
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2012; 9 (1): 122 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-122.
Am. J. Epidemiol. (2010) 172 (4): 419-429.