We all know we need to be more active, but there is increasing evidence that we also need to spend less time sitting down. Over the past 10 years, study after study has confirmed sitting for prolonged periods of time is harmful to your health.
More than half of the average person’s waking hours are spent sitting: working at a computer, commuting, watching television or other physically inactive pursuits, but all that sitting could be sending us to an early grave – even those who exercise up to an hour a day.
It is important to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Small changes like drinking water, getting up to walk around, investing in healthy snacks and even a quick stretch can help break up the day and give your body a refresher. Coupled with using a sit-stand workstation, you may burn up to 30 percent more calories.
Sit-Stand workstations are changing the way people work at their computers, helping minimise the impact of a sedentary lifestyle.
Seven ways regularly using a sit-stand at your office or home office benefits your personal health:
1. Reduce Lower Back Aches and PainsIn recent studies, sit-stand users reported significantly less back pain, neck pain andan increase in the ability to concentrate due to the reduction in pain.
2. Be More Productive and Get Moving Brief exercises during a 9-5 day boost energy, engagement and productivity. Movement and exercise, even on a minimal level, stimulate blood flow and oxygenation to the brain-a sense of feeling better which boosts productivity so you can get back to work.
3. Stop the Negative Impact Sitting Has on Your LifeToo much sitting may increases your risk for diabetes and heart diseases. Excessivesitting has also been linked to a shorter lifespan. This is alarming considering thatmore than half of the average person's day is spent entirely sedentary, whetherwatching TV or working on a computer.Why is Sitting So Bad? A long period of sitting slows the metabolism, which impacts the body's ability to regulate glucose, blood pressure and the ability of the body to break down fat. The solution is to keep moving.
4. Improving Metabolic HealthBy incorporating periodic standing and movement during the day, along with thebest lunchtime workouts, you can boost metabolism and contribute to overall health.
5. Improving Cardiovascular HealthStudies show that adults with sedentary lifestyles are at greater risk of healthproblems related to cardiovascular disease. Simple lifestyle changes such as includingstanding and moving during the day can help improve cardiovascular health.
6. Contributing to a Positive AttitudeAn additional boost of positive energy wouldn't hurt, even if exercise is already partof your lifestyle. Standing up during the day and making time to move can help yourmood.
7. Increasing Micro-Movements throughout the dayMicro-movements are incremental movements we make throughout the day, such asfidgeting, pacing and stretching. Studies show that micro-movements benefit overallhealth, reducing stress and enhancing mental sharpness. A sit-stand routine helpsintroduce micro-movements into your work day. Start out by sitting and standing inperiods that fit your comfort level. During the standing periods, you may also go fora brief walk around the office or stretch to contribute more to your micro-movementworkout.
