Before you start to read this, stand up if you can to do so!
TIME online have recently posted this article, based on a study published in the European Heart Journal. The article basically says that sitting without moving for too long at your desk increases your chance of having a larger waist size and higher amounts of fat in the blood, both of which are predictors for such things as heart disease, diabetes etc. Interestingly, this was also found in people that did do moderate amounts of exercise outside work, but didn't move around much during the day. Obviously, the healthiest individuals were found to be those that exercised outside workplus moved around frequently during the day.
As physiotherapists, we always encourage people to take micro--pauses and breaks during the day, even if it means just standing up for a minute or walking across your office and back. Not only does it help with the above, but we know that posturally for your muscles, joints and nerves regular mobility is also helpful to maintain joint lubrication, circulation the body and flexibility to the soft tissues. All of which help with maintenence of heathy body systems.
The important thing to note here is that is doesn't have to be a large amount of movement for you to get the benefit. Walk to the printer rather than get the receptionist to bring your papers cross. On a phone call? Stand up and move around while talking. And as the above article says, even standing for 1 minute is enough to get positive changes.
Soooo.......what are you waiting for!!
