'Sitting is the new smoking', it is often said. Sitting for long periods, especially in the same position, is bad for your health. So get rid of those buttocks and get started with these tips that ensure that you sit less.
Research in 2015 concluded that sitting is the new smoking. When you sit, you use less energy than when you stand or walk. And if you sit for a long time, it can have an effect on your health. This significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and thrombosis.
Read also :Is it bad to sit with your legs crossed?
Assisting professor Gerardo Miranda-Comas:“It is best to take a break every 20 minutes or so. This prevents your muscles from becoming overtired and from getting neck and back pain.”
There are a number of times in the day when you can interrupt sitting with some exercise:
If you go to work by car, do not park in front of the door, but a little further away so that you can walk a short distance.
If you go by public transport, do not take the nearest bus, tram or metro stop, but one further and get off one stop earlier.
Even better, if you don't live too far from work, go for a walk or bike ride.
If you're going by public transport, don't sit down, stay standing. This way you use more energy.
Take more frequent drinking breaks. What is also handy:do not use a large mug for your coffee or tea, so that you are more often forced to take a walk to the coffee machine and the kettle.
Take a walk after lunch (good to get your sugar level under control), or occasionally go out for lunch and walk to that one nice eatery near your work.
Nowadays you have all kinds of desks. A desk is no longer just for sitting behind, but also for standing behind. Ask your employer if an adjustable desk is available that you can adjust to standing height.
If you have to go to the toilet, go to a toilet on another floor.
Most smart watches or activity trackers have an option to remind you to get moving. You can set the reminders yourself. You can also use the timer of your mobile phone, or the appointment function of your digital agenda.
Are you watching TV or working with your mobile or tablet? Then take a break every half hour and do a few abdominal exercises or squats. If you watch TV, you can do that with every commercial break.
Make it a habit to take a walk on your weekend or free time. Take a walk in the neighborhood or go to the beach or the woods to get away from it all.
