More and more studies are revealing the dangers of constant sitting. Between driving a car, working at a desk, and relaxing in front of the television, the average person spends more time sitting than they do sleeping. Our technology-driven lives only add to the harm by reducing the need to do physical household chores, making us more sedentary than ever. Unfortunately, even people who exercise on a regular basis are at a much higher risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and early death than those who sit for fewer hours during the day.
Here are quick and easy tips that can shave hours off of your daily sitting time and improve your health drastically:
- Stand up during TV time. Remind yourself to stand when you’re changing channels or fast-forwarding. Or sit on a balance ball, where slouching means falling off, so you can sit actively.
- Enjoy your chores! Look at them as an easy way to improve your health and maintain your home.
- Put your computer on a crate on your desk, so that you can stand while working. Or you can take the extra step and arrange for a desk that hangs over a treadmill, so you can walk during your workday!
- Forget the phone and take a walk to your colleague’s office. Also, place your stapler,
wastebasket, and printer at a distance from your desk to require a short stroll. You can even walk to the bathroom downstairs for a step workout.
- Remind yourself to stand when on the phone. You can even set computer reminders to stand every half hour!
For a healthful work space, take a look at our sit-to-stand desks and other ergonomic equipment! With our expertise and tools, we can help you on your path to a longer, healthier, and happier life!
For more information on this topic, read the January-February 2012 issue of the AARP Bulletin. We got this great information from Elizabeth Pope's article, "Sitting: Hazardous to Your Health."
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks from Ilona and the We've Got Your Back team!

