Stand Up for Better Health

The effect of too much sitting, well, isn’t pretty.

Many working people sit behind a desk all day, idle behind the wheel in traffic on their way home, and then collapse on the couch to relax and unwind before turning in for a few more hours of inactivity.

Sure, the body needs its rest, but spending such a large portion of waking hours off your feet is simply not healthy.

The laundry list of ills from over-sitting includes everything from back pain and muscle stiffness to obesity, circulation problems, and negative effects on overall heart health.

A recent study compared groups of working people who took multiple breaks throughout the day and had the opportunity to stand up and move around the office with other groups who remained planted at their desks for the majority of each day.

The findings supported the idea that prolonged periods of sitting put the body at risk for developing a serious disease, according to Health News.

While active exercise is an important factor in reversing the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, research shows that even non-exercise activities such as doing household shores, shopping, and fidgeting while standing, can keep the body in calorie-burning mode. The muscles and energy spent to hold the body upright can double your metabolic rate.

Encourage employees to take a stand for health: