Could it be that sitting is the new smoking?

“When you sit, you use less energy than you do when you stand or move. Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include obesity and a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome. Too much sitting overall and prolonged periods of sitting also seem to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.”

Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center 

Several months ago I realized that I was sitting for much longer periods of time than when I was not working remotely. I was feeling exhausted and achy at the end of the day. I realized that part of energy drain was not just the stress of the pandemic but the fact I was on my butt for hours at a time. I decided to make some changes. I now have a makeshift standing desk. I found a card table with extendable legs and added a couple of boxes. The set up cost nothing, but the effects have been fantastic.

You may not think much of this, but recently the Mayo Clinic cited an analysis of 13 studies on the effects of sitting. It found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day without physical activity had risk factors similar to individuals who smoked and were obese. Sitting is the new smoking!

The same article points out, however, that 60-75 minutes a day of moderately intense physical activity countered the effects of sitting for long periods of time.

If you are not getting this much movement during the day, you may want to see how you can incorporate more standing and movement into your daily routine. Small changes, like a standing desk, can go a long way.

This past week I shared a yoga sequence that focused on countering the effects of sitting too long. Take a look. Share it with anyone who may have tight hips and needs to wiggle more for more health and joy.

Just in case you need more encouragement, here are 13 reasons why sitting for long periods of time is not such a good idea.

If you are interested in increasing your movement, join us for yoga every Monday and Thursday night.