Take a Stand Against Sitting
Humans are built to be upright for most of the day, but modern lifestyles find us seated for longer periods than ever before. In the past we used to stand up for most things, whether it was for work, going to the shops, the bank or connecting with friends. Today most things can be done from a seated position, it’s considered a technological advancement. But it’s definitely not been an advancement for health. Prolonged sitting causes issues in five areas.
Sitting compromises structural stability
Sitting can weaken your glutes and cause your hip flexors to shorten. This can contribute to back pain, particularly if your sitting position isn’t optimal. Sitting puts stress on all your postural muscles. If you don’t have adequate muscle tone to support you then your body can adapt to slumped stance as it’s new normal. This can create neck tension and contribute to headaches.
Prolonged sitting increases the risk of chronic health conditions
Sitting down compresses your organs and slows circulation. It’s associated with a greater incidence of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Standing up even briefly gets your circulation going and takes the pressure off your organs, muscles and joints. As your body decompresses the circulation can return and vital functions can resume.
Prolonged sitting can cause blood pooling in your legs
Blood pooling can lead to spider veins or more serious varicose veins. In rare cases, problems with veins can develop into blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. This risk is greater when on a plane due to the more cramped conditions and dryer cabin air. Most vein issues have a hereditary component so if a family member has had an issue then it’s particularly important to be vigilant about regular movement.
Prolonged sitting can cause weight gain
It’s obvious that if you’re at your desk you aren’t burning calories (you’re probably consuming them). But sitting is also slowing your metabolic rate and reducing the efficiency of your digestion. The best case scenario is that you’ll metabolize fat less efficiently. The worst case scenario is the risk of metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, promoting weight gain around your middle.
Prolonged sitting can affect your brain
In addition to your physical health, prolonged sitting can affect your brain. Robust mental health is largely dependent on the appropriate release of happy hormones. Good circulation is required for these systems to operate effectively. In addition to this, when your brain isn’t receiving oxygen your cognitive capacity decreases. When you don’t have time to stand up for a few minutes that’s the exact time you need to stand up for a few minutes.
Appropriate movement can help
Regular exercise has an important role to play in mitigating some of the risks associated with prolonged sitting. But driving to the gym a couple of times a week doesn’t entirely solve the problem. Inappropriate exercise can overload a structurally unstable body, making you vulnerable to injury and illness. You can still have a strong, healthy body if you have a sedentary job. But it requires movement a little and often, plus a targeted exercise regime that stretches areas of tightness and strengthens areas of weakness.
The human body is an amazing machine capable of extraordinary resilience. Investing the time in keeping it moving can help protect your functionality, vitality and good health.
Sitting compromises structural stability
Sitting can weaken your glutes and cause your hip flexors to shorten. This can contribute to back pain, particularly if your sitting position isn’t optimal. Sitting puts stress on all your postural muscles. If you don’t have adequate muscle tone to support you then your body can adapt to slumped stance as it’s new normal. This can create neck tension and contribute to headaches.
Prolonged sitting increases the risk of chronic health conditions
Sitting down compresses your organs and slows circulation. It’s associated with a greater incidence of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Standing up even briefly gets your circulation going and takes the pressure off your organs, muscles and joints. As your body decompresses the circulation can return and vital functions can resume.
Prolonged sitting can cause blood pooling in your legs
Blood pooling can lead to spider veins or more serious varicose veins. In rare cases, problems with veins can develop into blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. This risk is greater when on a plane due to the more cramped conditions and dryer cabin air. Most vein issues have a hereditary component so if a family member has had an issue then it’s particularly important to be vigilant about regular movement.
Prolonged sitting can cause weight gain
It’s obvious that if you’re at your desk you aren’t burning calories (you’re probably consuming them). But sitting is also slowing your metabolic rate and reducing the efficiency of your digestion. The best case scenario is that you’ll metabolize fat less efficiently. The worst case scenario is the risk of metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, promoting weight gain around your middle.
Prolonged sitting can affect your brain
In addition to your physical health, prolonged sitting can affect your brain. Robust mental health is largely dependent on the appropriate release of happy hormones. Good circulation is required for these systems to operate effectively. In addition to this, when your brain isn’t receiving oxygen your cognitive capacity decreases. When you don’t have time to stand up for a few minutes that’s the exact time you need to stand up for a few minutes.
Appropriate movement can help
Regular exercise has an important role to play in mitigating some of the risks associated with prolonged sitting. But driving to the gym a couple of times a week doesn’t entirely solve the problem. Inappropriate exercise can overload a structurally unstable body, making you vulnerable to injury and illness. You can still have a strong, healthy body if you have a sedentary job. But it requires movement a little and often, plus a targeted exercise regime that stretches areas of tightness and strengthens areas of weakness.
The human body is an amazing machine capable of extraordinary resilience. Investing the time in keeping it moving can help protect your functionality, vitality and good health.