According to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, sitting for long periods does more than make your butt hurt; it actually has a negative effect on your personal health and the condition of your body. This doesn’t mean you have to quit your desk job or stop watching TV, but it does require that you break up your sitting routine and get moving.
Q: Many people (including myself) sit at their desks for eight hours straight. How bad is a sedentary lifestyle for my health?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Sitting at a desk all day can lead to a strained neck, sore or painful shoulders and back, and other postural issues. You are also at an increased risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Q: Since changing jobs often isn’t an option, what can I do to compensate for a sedentary work day?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Eating healthy and trying to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week will help. It’s also important to break up your sitting routine and incorporate some activity into your day.
Q: How can I stay active at work?
Marla Ahlgrimm: If possible, try to work standing up when you can and walk around while talking on the phone. Set a timer to go off every 60 minutes. Every time it goes off, get up and move around. Even a quick trip to the water cooler or restroom can get the blood flowing.
Q: Okay, so I get it: Prolonged sitting can harm my body in several ways. What is the most striking feature of sitting for an extended period of time?
Marla Ahlgrimm: The absence of skeletal muscle contractions in the very large muscles of the lower limbs. You see, when muscles don’t contract, they require less fuel, and the surplus, in the form of blood sugar, accumulates in the bloodstream, contributing to diabetes and other health issues.