You CAN be healthy even if you sit all day at work (here’s how)

Basically, researchers looked into the health risks of sitting for hours at a time, and the conclusion was that if you sit a lot, your risk of dying was the same as that of a smoker – even if you exercise!

The good news is that while those headlines might have started with a grain of truth, they weren’t 100% accurate.

New studies have shown that while sitting isn’t great for you, it’s definitely not as bad as smoking, according to researchers from Canada, Australia and the U.S. who published a study in the American Journal of Public Health.

Sitting more than 8 hours a day DOES increase your risk of premature death and developing some chronic diseases by 10% to 20% … but it’s nowhere in the same ballpark as smoking, which boosts the risk of early death by 180%!

Here’s the even better news. If you must sit a lot, there are some things you can do to offset the risk of developing diseases related to being sedentary.

Basically, it all boils down to being as active as possible when you’re NOT sitting.

At work, go for walks or move around during your breaks. And when you are NOT at work, get up and MOVE!

Researchers found the risks of “excess sitting” could be mostly offset by getting about an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise every day.

Now this might not be possible every single day, but attending a class or training session at least a 3-4 days a week will help rack up your weekly total.

Gardening, playing sports, or engaging in active hobbies will also help.

AND, while you are at your desk, try these tips to make it the best you can:

Get up and walk around as frequently as possible. Set a timer so you get up to stretch at least once an hour.

Make sure you stay hydrated! Drink water. Bonus: you might have to get up to make more trips to the bathroom. 

Double-check that your chair is set to the right height and supports you properly.

Be mindful of your posture while you’re sitting.

Take walking meetings, if that’s an option. If you’re discussing a project with a coworker, take the meeting outside for a quick walk. This also can encourage creativity!

Remember: your body needs and craves MOVEMENT! It will help keep you healthy, fit and feeling great!

I'M here to help you with strategies! To work with me, check out my online fitness and nutrition programs for more details! 

Nicole Gauthier 

@simplyfitclub