4 Reasons You Should Stand More
If you are concerned about heart disease and weight gain, consistently finding opportunities for movement can make a big difference: one simple action is to stand up! Even if you get regular exercise, prolonged sitting can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. When you are inactive for long periods of time, your body’s metabolism slows down; this can lead to weight gain, which raises the risk of many diseases including type 2 diabetes and many cardiovascular conditions.
Some simple ways to stand more often include:
- Getting up every hour and filling your glass with water – drink it while standing up.
- If you are in a long meeting at work, stand in the corner for a period of time. Better yet, especially when the weather is cooperative, urge the group to consider “walking meetings.”
- When you are on the phone or writing emails, try standing instead sitting – you can do this at home by writing emails at your kitchen counter. For added activity and muscle challenge, work in an air squat between emails.
- At work, look into a stand-up desk. These desks raise and lower, some via a built-in motor, offering the flexibility to stand or sit. For prolonged standing work, they are essential for making sure you are not adding strain to your back and neck.
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