Every January plans are made for a better, brighter new year. Part and parcel of these new year resolutions includes new health and fitness goals. For an easy first step, make sure you are sitting less and standing and/or walking more.
Studies in the last few years have shown that excessive sitting is literally killing us. Calorie-burning goes from 3 calories a minute when up and about to 1 calorie per minute while seated. Gaining weight is the tip of the iceberg in terms of health concerns. Dr. James Levine from the Mayo Clinic, considers sitting to be a lethal activity when done in excess of 6 hours straight. And it is not an equal opportunity killer – the death rate for men is 20% higher and 40% higher for women sitting consistently in excess of six hours a day.
Easy low impact solutions, can make a difference.
- Set up a reminder to get up and stretch and move around at least every few hours
- Take the stairs
- Walk to see a colleague instead of calling or instant messaging
- Plan your schedule to intersperse physical activity after sedentary stretches
While your office might not be ready to install treadmill desks, you can plan for a long and happy life by getting yourself moving.
For more information on this study, click here.