The human body is a kinetic motion machine that is designed to move and is healthiest and happiest when it is moving regularly. In our modern society, instead of moving all day in order to make our living, we sit. We sit to drive, to eat, to work at computers, to watch TV and even to socialize. Culturally we have evolved into very sedentary beings.
Sedentary behavior is typically defined as any behavior with exceedingly low energy expenditure. In general, this means that almost any time you are sitting or lying down.
Most of us think that sedentary means we don't exercise enough but as it turns out however, sedentary time is closely associated with the same health risks regardless of how much you exercise every day.
So you can still be considered very sedentary even while exercising vigorously for an hour or more everyday!
This does not mean you should give up your workouts. Physical exercise has many benefits. But, make sure that you don't fall into the habit of exercising for an hour and then sitting still for the remainder of the day.
If you have a ‘sitting' job or you know you are guilty of sitting still in your leisure time, then try to take small breaks every once in awhile to decrease your overall health risks.
Practical tips to add more movement into an otherwise sedentary day:
-Walk up or down the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
-At your computer, set an alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and stretch and move for 2 minutes then get back to work.
-Pace while you are on the phone. Don't sit in your chair.
-If possible, have a desk that can move from seated to standing height so you can change it up throughout your day.
-Sit on an exercise ball while at your computer. It will keep your core musculature active and is much better than sitting still on a chair.
-When watching TV, get up and move during every commercial to make yourself some tea, or go to the washroom, or even do a couple laps around the room.
-When driving for long distances, try to get out of the car and stretch every hour.
Get your body moving with exercise as well as throughout your day. You will be healthier and happier as a result!
Peggy Malone, B.Sc D.C., is a chiropractor and an athlete. Click here to receive her free 25-page report “10 Steps to Better Health.