How Could Sitting be Bad for YOU?

Why could “sitting” possibly be YOUR enemy?

Supposedly, we have been doing it for centuries. Society even encourages “sitting.” We sit in school, on the train and while reading a book. So how can “sitting” possibly be a bad choice for you?

Let’s take a look back in history.

Yes, we have been sitting for centuries. But in the past we were also more active. When was the last time you cut your own grass, hung freshly washed clothes on the clothesline or walked a couple of miles to visit a friend?

Modern day sitting is not balanced with every day activities that get us moving. Most of us move our fingers using technology more than we move our bodies.

Science is telling us that sitting restricts blood flow to the lower part of the body.

The longer you sit the less blood flows down to your feet and toes. In addition, when muscles move they pull blood to that part of the body helping one’s heart. If you are sitting still, then your heart is doing all the work.

In addition, when sitting — the chair is holding you up. The longer you sit, the weaker and stiffer your muscles become. You need strong muscles for mobility. Sitting weakens back muscles because we tend to slouch and lean against the back of the chair contributing to back pain.

One way to sit less and move more is to build movement into your day. When reading, watching TV, or surfing the web:

1. Take the long route to the kitchen to get that drink.
2. Store every day items on a high shelf so that you must reach to get it.
3. Even better, place that item on a low shelf so that you must squat to get it.
4. Carry only one item at a time up and down the stairs.

Start small, building more movement into your day with less sitting. Challenge yourself to find creative ways to increase your movement.

REWARD: You will feel better and have more energy to enjoy life.

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