Stagnant Life, Stagnant Health

Turns out exercising doesn't necessarily outweigh the detrimental effects of sitting for extended periods of time.  According to a 14-year study conducted by The American Heart Association, sitting for more than six hours a day increases the risks of heart disease and diabetes.   And Alpa Patel, lead researcher for the Cancer Society, says “Research and other recent studies show that sitting much of the rest of  the day may negate some of the good effects of the exercise (initiated) on the same day.”  Our friends at Organic Soul offer some tips right here on our site on what people with office jobs can do to maintain good health. 

Organic Soul, 4/25/2011

For the full text of this Good for You Network Special Feature, click "Keep Reading" below.

From Odette Worrell and Michelle Kramer, CHHC, AADP at South Florida Health Coaches:

We all know that moving the body is a surefire way to stay fit.    Those with healthy leanings have learned to build in a good workout or exercise of some form if we hold jobs that involve long periods of sitting.

For those of you, like myself, who have made a practice of this, pay close attention.  Turns out that exercising, whether you work out, walk ,or lift weights,  won’t outweigh the detrimental effects to your health of sitting for extended periods of time.

The American Heart Association ran a 14 year study on more than 100,000 adults.   The results show that sitting for more than 6 hours a day, increased the risks of heart disease and diabetes.    According to Alpa Patel, lead researcher for the Cancer Society,  “Research and other recent studies show that sitting much of the rest of  the day may negate some of the good effects of the exercise (initiated) on the same day”.

Research also shows that the ability to think critically is compromised with immobility, as movement allows one to clear their minds and can improve your productivity afterwards.

So, here are some ideas and exercises to help you get moving in between those sitting hours. Even baby steps make a big difference.

• Drink more water than usual.  Hopefully, this will create a need to use the restroom more often.  Not only will the water hydrate your body at a cellular level and help you eliminate toxins, but you will also have a reason for getting up and moving.

• If you eat your lunch at your desk, make it a point to walk outside or to another area of your office to allow your legs to move and stretch a little. The further the better.

• Put your phone away from your workspace.   If you hear it ring, you will have to get up and move your body in order to reach it.

• The last suggestion is an obvious one.    Take a break to stretch and move.  This might not be easy for those who live in the land of open corporate spaces without the privacy of a door.  If that’s the case.  Show them this blog and grab a few people to join you for active work breaks.   Not only will you do something great for your own body, but you will also help encourage others to do the same as well.

Here are some great stretches to keep in mind during those mini workout breaks: