Hazards of sitting for too long

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY…

AS SOON AS YOU SIT:

⁃ Electrical activity in the leg muscles shuts off.

⁃ Calorie burning drops to just 1 per minute

⁃ Enzymes that help breakdown fat drop by 90%

AFTER 2 HOURS:

– Good cholesterol drops by 20%

OVER LONGER PERIODS:

⁃ Holding the muscles in the torso, neck, and shoulders in a somewhat fixed position squeezes blood vessels, reducing blood flow and causing fatigue.

⁃ Many people experience decreased fitness, reduced lung and heart efficiency, and a higher risk of injury and disease, especially if otherwise inactive.

⁃ Insulin effectiveness drops and the risk of diabetes rises.

⁃ High amounts of stress placed on the spine, specifically the lower back and neck.

⁃ Blood often pools in the lower legs, which can cause numbness and varicose veins.

The vast majority of us spend over six hours sitting down every day. Sitting can have short- and long-term effects on your health and body, making this seemingly harmless activity may have potential risks.

Even though sitting is a common posture, modern society places too much emphasis on it.

Although unwinding can be healthy, you should make an effort to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down and spend more time on your feet.

If you have a desk job, one solution is to get a standing desk or go for a few short walks during your workday.

Minimising sedentary time is just as important for health as a nutritious diet and regular exercise.