You may have heard the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking.” That’s because several studies have found that sitting for eight or more hours a day without physical activity to counteract that can lead to an increased risk of death similar to that posed from obesity and smoking.
In our modern world, with the prevalence of cars, drive-thru, curbside delivery, binge-watching of favorite shows, and sedentary office jobs, it’s true that most of us are just sitting on our behinds for too many hours.
Just why is sitting too much dangerous? Check out a few of these risks, as shared by Mayo Clinic:
- An increased obesity risk
- Higher blood pressure
- Higher blood sugar, which can be associated with diabetes
- High cholesterol
- A higher risk of cardiovascular disease
- A higher cancer risk
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to live with the dangerous health risks from sitting. You can counteract those risks by:
- A few minutes of movement every 30 minutes to an hour
- 60 to 75 minutes of moderate physical activity daily
If you have a sedentary job, aim to get up every 30 minutes to an hour to get some movement. Here are a few quick ideas for movement breaks to get your blood pumping:
- Take a walk around your office or home.
- Stand while taking calls.
- Consider using a standing desk or a treadmill desk.
- If possible, conduct meetings while walking.
- Instead of sending an email, go talk to someone in person.
- Take the stairs instead of always taking the elevator.
- Perform a short series of movements, such as the ones we suggest below.
Try These Movement Break Exercises to Counteract Sitting
- Waist twists. Stand and twist your upper body to the left and then the right. Do this at a moderate pace for 2 minutes.
- Jumping jacks. You probably know how to do jumping jacks, but here are the basics just in case. With your feet together, jump so the legs are now in a V-position. At the same time, move your hands in tandem with your legs.
- Heel raises. Stand up and raise your heels 15 to 20 times.
- Squats. You can find instructions for squats online, including here. Repeat 15 to 20 times.
- Neck rolls and shoulder rolls. Move your head from left to right to help stretch those neck muscles. Then, move your shoulders backward and then forward in circles. Repeat each 15 to 20 times.
Call Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions in Bradenton for Healthier Living
Bradenton acupuncture physician Dr. Dominique Vonador is ready to help you achieve better wellness. A visit to Dr. Vonador is about more than just acupuncture. Dr. Vonador will consider your overall health and give you guidance for better wellness and balance in your life. Dr. Vonador now has two offices to conveniently serve patients, in Bradenton and in Ellenton. From allergies to headaches to back pain to better sleep, you’re in good hands with Dr. Vonador. To set an appointment, call 941-479-2937 today. You can also find us on Facebook, at Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions. Find our website at www.DrVonador.com
Heal the Body. Restore the Mind. 