The weather is warming up and that means bathing suit season is just around the corner. If that's not incentive enough for you....did you know that sitting is the new smoking? That's right! Experts say that the average American sits about 8 hours a day! That's shocking! If you have a desk job that could be you. What happens to our bodies when we sit for that amount of time? Let's take a look....
The general idea is that when we sit, everything inside slows down. This slowing down process means less oxygen everywhere. There is a reaction that flows across our entire bodies. Here are just a few negative changes that occur:
1. Organ damage--This can lead to heart disease, over productive pancreas, and possibly cancer.
2. Muscle degeneration--Mushy abs, tight hips, and limp glutes (flat butt) are all a tale tale sign you've been sitting too long.
3. Leg Disorders--Poor circulation means fluid is pooling in the legs and can cause varicose veins and blood clots. Soft bones can also be a problem when we are not getting proper weight bearing exercise--even as simple as walking.
4. The Brain and Neck--Foggy brain occurs because we aren't pumping fresh blood and oxygen through the brain via movement. Everything slows when we are still for too long-including brain function. Your neck, shoulders, and back are all at unnatural positions when you are sitting at a desk for too long. We've all felt that tightness in our neck, shoulders and lower back from sitting. Our bodies were made for movement.
For most of us, we can't quit our desk job. Given these grim stats, what can you do? Sit UP, shoulders relaxed, arms close to your side, with lower back support and feet flat on the floor is the proper way to sit. Try not to lean forward!
Experts agree that we need to strengthen our core. Sit on something wobbly like an exercise ball or backless chair. Anything that will engage your mid section is going to help you have better posture.
Stretch your legs daily. This is especially important for your hip flexors. If you have tightness in the hip flexors it will effect your back, glutes and hamstrings. Every 50 minutes get up and take a short walk. Coincidentally, your mind also needs a "brain break" every 50 minutes. Research agrees that we need to take mental breaks to allow new ideas and creativity to flow.
Get a standing desk so that you can alternate sitting and standing. The more often you can change positions the better.
The moral of the story....move your body EVERY SINGLE DAY. If you're looking for new ways to exercise, check out our free fitness series here: https://healthylivingrevolution.com/home-fitness-series/