Laney is a healthcare public relations professional in New York City. In her spare time (term used loosely), she translates her passion for health to participating in anything having to do with healthy eating and fitness including writing for her blog www.runningonveggies.com. You can also follow Laney on Twitter @lanes0220.
Between sitting at your desk, tinkering on social media networks and watching TV, we are spending on average 9.3 hours a day sitting. We’ve become so sedentary that 30 minutes a day at the gym may not do enough to counteract the effects. That’s one big reason so many women still struggle with weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol woes despite keeping consistent workout routines.
Unfortunately, studies show that only reducing sitting time helps and I certainly can’t suggest quitting your job so you can do less sitting. So what can we do?
First, interrupt sitting as much as possible. Sitting starts to break down your body almost immediately, so get up almost every 30 minutes to stretch, get a glass of water or walk over to your boss to get feedback rather than sending an email. And when you are watching your favorite show, do some sit ups and pushups during the commercials.
Second, check out Woman Day’s Abby Cuffey’s, “Work Out Anywhere” series about working out in strangest of places. Seriously, there is one video where she shows you how to exercise in your car.
Third, increase your NEAT or non-exercise activity thermogenesis. That is basically the calories you burn doing everything BUT exercise. Pace while you are on the phone, stand while you fold laundry or go shopping at the mall instead of online.
Most importantly, know your body. Fidgeting is your body’s way of telling you that you need to move, so listen to it.
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