Whether it’s sitting to watch TV or driving to work, these minutes add up! Sitting is an epidemic, and we must find ways to break the habit. I rarely sit down. I cannot stand to sit! It stiffens my back and completely drains my energy levels. It is recommended we have the goal to accumulate 10,000 steps in the course of our day. I wonder if the average person even gets close to that?
Let’s take a look at the average Joe: “Joe has to drive thirty minutes to the office. He works at a desk for four to five hours and takes a one-hour lunch break, then back to work he goes! After a long day, he then drives home and has dinner. After that, he relaxes on the couch until bedtime.”
Unfortunately, this is the norm for many people. In the course of your day, when are you up and moving? I encourage you to keep track for one week and monitor how much you sit.
My advice is to find ways to get up and get moving. Here are a few ideas:
Take the stairs at work.
Park far away from the front door.
Use the facilities furthest away from your desk.
Stand up to take phone calls, if permitted in your work environment.
Take a walk on your lunch break
Stand up and sit down at your chair for five repetitions. Repeat this exercise three times per day.
Limit television time and go for a walk at night.
Go to the gym after work. These are just a few ideas the average Joe (or Josephine) can incorporate into their life. Every little bit helps! Remember, once you choose to break the habit of not sitting so much, stick with it, and you’ll reap the benefits.