It’s important to stand up and stretch because sitting may kill you!

As I write this, I am sitting at my desk. And you are probably reading this sitting down too. Well, it’s time for both of us, all of us, to take a movement break. Sitting down for too long can be really detrimental to your health and it’s important to take a movement break.

 Experts say that it does not matter how fit you are or how regularly you work out. There is a direct link between sitting down for too long and early mortality! That is pretty scary considering we all spend so much time sitting at desks, or on the couch or on our beds! The longer we sit, the worse it is for our health.

 The good news is that people who take a break every half an hour are not in nearly as much danger. The saying from the American Heart Association is:- ‘Sit less, move more.’ And that is exactly what we need to do. This however is not enough information for you. Yes, get up and move around every half an hour.

But according to Keith Diaz who has written on this very subject for the Columbia University Dept. Of Medicine, eh says you should get up and do some strengthening muscles. Walk around every half an hour and keep a brisk pace. Do some good arm stretches and leg stretches and if you have the time, work out your core.

 It’s a good idea to get the advice of a pilates or yoga instructor so you know you’re doing the right kind of exercises. You don’t want to hurt yourself or pull a muscle or strain your neck. But stand up, stretch, suck in your core, take a five minute brisk walk, maybe do a little planking, and then, get back to work. And remember to do the same thing half an hour from now!