Sitting On The Job More Harmful Than Thought
If you’re like most of America, your job probably requires you to sit for long periods of time either behind a computer, at a desk, or behind a cash register. But did you know that we spend 56 hours a week sitting as part of our jobs? That’s crazy right?!
While we all know that sitting for extensive periods isn’t good for the body because your muscles aren’t really being used, a new study published in a journal for the American Diabetes Association says it’s more harmful than we think. Studies show that reducing the amount of sitting had a greater effect on enzymes that regulated LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism than adding vigorous exercise. This suggests that the negative health consequences of sitting for long periods cannot be fully offset by the health benefits of added vigorous exercise. So it may be more important to reduce the amount of sitting you do than the amount of exercise you add.
To keep your muscles active during the working day, try taking bathroom breaks every 30 minutes, or simply getting up to fetch a glass of water. Always sit up straight to avoid putting pressure on your back and slowing blood flow to the brain and rest of the body. Also, try switching between sitting on your usual chair and an exercise or Swiss ball – it constantly engages your core muscles.
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