“Sitting is the new smoking”, is a a phrase coined by Dr. James Levine of Mayo Clinic in 2018. He used smoking as a metaphor to amplify the dangers that prolonged sitting can pose to our health– and we definetley do too much sitting :)
Those who transitioned to working at home don’t commute anymore to the office. Hence, we move less.
Those who always worked remotely seem to sit even more for additional meetings, consultations, get-togethers, etc. When we add the time that we spend on browsing the internet, social media, online shopping, asking Google for information, and YouTube for “how to” advice, the number of hours is staggering; it seems as if there is no escape:)
... Or is there?
Since sitting is inevitable (but too much of it can be detrimental to our health) we should spend more time on other activities such as standing and moving.
The Heart Foundation's August 10th, 2019 publication includes just the right solutions (and I quote):
"Sitting is inevitable! Here’s how you can ward off any negative side effects:
Set a Timer. Get up every hour and move. Stand, walk around, stretch. You can even download apps onto your phone to remind you!
Watch Your Posture. Poor posture can lead to bone damage, decreased blood circulation, fatigue, and loss of muscle strength. If you must sit, keep your shoulders back, your chin tucked, and your stomach pulled toward your spine in order to keep your muscles engaged, bones aligned, and circulation flowing.
Take a Stand. If you’re able, why not opt for a standing desk? Not only will your heart thank you, but standing desks have been proven to increase brain function, creativity, and productivity.
Work It Out. Commit to exercising every single day. Go on a walk during lunch. Plan to attend a fitness class. Choose the far away parking spot. Every minute of physical activity counts!
Joseph Pilates On His Method Of Contrology
“Standing also is very important and should be practiced at all times until mastered. First, assume the correct posture, then when tired, shift the weight on the body from one side to the other while resting on the ”idle” side. Do not push your hips out or lock your knees."
"Never slouch, as doing so compresses the lungs, overcrowds other vital organs, rounds the back, and throws you off the balance created by poising the weight of your body on the balls of your feet".
"Return To Life"
My Two Cents
Arthur Schopenhauer said: " To neglect one's body is the greatest of follies."
It really is very easy to avoid the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. It is definitely easier than dealing with the consequences of neglecting oneself.
Yet, we are very good at doing just that. Even though now more than ever we have an abundance of information on "how to" at our fingertips.
The hardest thing is to start, the rest is easy. So do something!
- Set a timer to get up every hour… or 45 minutes
- Get a standing desk
- Engage regularly in a classical Pilates exercise routine.
- Try some Arm Circles on a foam roller. The "how to" video is below... just don't be sitting while watching it :)
- Correct your posture– follow the video posted below.
Because classical Pilates strengthens the abs, back, every single muscle and joint in the body, arms, and legs, and improves flexibility and stamina, it is a perfect remedy for negating the pitfalls of sitting too much.
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