Are you standing up? No?
Okay, I’ll be honest. I’m not either.
Disclosure: I’m sitting in my big, soft, down-filled, vintage Hemingway chair (and ottoman) with my computer on my lap and a cup of organic coffee with coconut milk by my side. I’m also munching on sliced Fuji apples and almond butter while typing and watching the final stage of the Tour de France.
Having said that, I’m off to an all-day yoga workshop, so I’m not feeling too bad about my sitting, eating, sipping, blogging and watching TV.
Whoa, when I say it like that, it sounds pretty bad.
And, that’s my point. It all adds up, no matter what our excuses are. Watching TV is watching TV, even if it’s a monumentally epic, calorie-burning event like the Tour de France. We sit far more than we realize and it translates to a higher risk of everything from heart disease to diabetes to Alzheimer’s. I did lots of research for this post and one thing I found particularly disturbing was that the increased risk of disease was found to be independent of physical activity level. That’s always been my excuse. Hey, I exercise every day. I also sit on my exercise ball a lot of the time. That’s all good, but I flat-out sit too much. Blogging, writing, research, working, social media, messing around on my computer.
My goal is to cut down on my sitting down. I’m standing as I make this declaration! Well, sort of. But, you get the idea. I’ll get moving and let this wonderful graphic speak for me. If you want a systematic review of longitudinal studies published since 1996 on the relationship between sitting on your bum and increased risk of disease, check the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 41, Issue 2 (August 2011).
Peace, love and stand up!
Melissa
P.S. Erin of Gluten Free Fitness, you were right. Cadel rocked!
Via: Medical Billing And Coding
As one high octave “Cat” and can relate! Got to move your vehicle and treat it like it’s the most amazing piece of technology! Read the manual people!
I agree totally, but sadly most of us take better care of our other vehicles (our cars)!
Whoa, serious stats, serious consequences! I was actually just reading about the dangers of sitting recently over at Mark’s Daily Apple. A good day for our bodies is one on which we are going like jack rabbits, I think. Even if we have to sit down to be on the computer, etc. for work, we should keep getting up and down. Sometimes I’m really good about this, sometimes not. ๐ Using a timer actually helps me. I set it for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the task at hand, and when it goes off, I pop up to do something else. I’m setting it now … thanks, Melissa! Oh, and I do like the sound of your chair for those moments when one wants to sit and relax. I’ve actually been in search of a super firm sofa. They don’t seem to exist any more. The best ones I’ve found so far are sleeper sofas (that’s what I used to have and loved it; should never have given it to Son!), but today those are even too mushy for me. Thanks for this post!
xo,
Shirley
Shirley,
Setting a timer is a good idea. I’ve realized that in the past 4 or 5 years the amount of time I spend sitting (at my desk working on my computer) has increased dramatically and I can feel a difference in my health (especially lower back tweakiness). I’m trying to get up every hour and bounce on my little rebounder. It shakes things up and gets my blood moving!
I love the infographics. I feel like this is something I was vaguely aware of, but of course never did anything about. I’m in the same boat as you, I exercise every day so I feel like that should be enough. Thanks for the reminder that it’s probably not.
Kalinda,
Yes, these info-graphics from medicalbillingandcoding.org are awesome. I love the way they humorously make a point. There are so many detrimental effects from sitting too long and these folks put it all together for us!
Thank you. I knew it was bad, but not THAT bad. I have set up my home computer so that I can use it standing up. I am so much happier using it standing!
Elizabeth,
I’ve tried the standing up thing with my computer and it doesn’t work that well for me. I’m not sure why, but I get antsy. =) I’m trying to attack the problem from a different direction. I’m sitting, but not for long periods of time without getting up and doing some exercises. I’ve got several that I’ve put together into a little routine to loosen my lower back, get my blood pumping and stretch my muscles.
Great post Melissa, and I think this is the perfect time for me to finally come out of the “sit too much” closet. Blogging has definitely cut into my exercise time but I remember a post Erin from Gluten Free Fitness did a post on treadmill desks a while back and I think I’m gonna try and rig something similar to my treadmill, check it out: http://www.glutenfreefitness.com/life-with-a-treadmill-desk-aka-move-your-a/
As always, I love your posts, you’ve been largely responsible for helping me make many changes for the better! ๐
xo,
Heidi
Heidi-girl,
I remember that post of Erin’s. Thanks for linking to it here. She has an awesome set-up, but I’m not much of a treadmill person, so I’m trying something different. You’re so right, it’s amazing how much blogging can impact your overall health. Way too much time sitting at the computer! And baking and eating! =)
I so wish I could have a standing desk or a treadmill desk for this very reason! Still, I try to stand at my desk as much as possible (it’s not a private office, so too often and people start looking at me weirdly), and of course, I drink so much water that I force myself up just to go to the bathroom pretty regularly, independent of the other short little trips to visit coworkers, the printer, etc. It’s definitely not optimal (especially when you consider the hour commute to/from) but I try. I hate sitting – when I’m home, I am rarely sitting down.
Alta,
Good point about the commute time sitting in the car. We don’t count that, but it’s still sitting. Plus, it can be stressful sitting! Getting up and walking around, whether it’s to the printer, the drinking fountain or a co-worker’s desk is a good way to break up all the seat time. And YES on drinking water while working. Much better than soda or other sugary drinks! Good points, all!
You can’t tell but I am giving you a standing ovation for this post! Thanks.
xo,
carol
Carol,
You always make me smile. You are one clever little gluten-free girl! Thanks for your “uplifting” comment! xo
Yes, I just stood up and did “the wave” for you, too! ๐ Excellent post, memorable stats and great graphic design. Thanks for the inspiration to get moving more!
Katie,
Thanks, very cute comment! And I’m waving back! =)
Melissa,
I think this is a wonderful post!
Elana
Thanks, Elana. I appreciate your comment! I think of you often. Hope all is well and that you’re enjoying the summer. xo