Do you sit behind a computer too much??? The average office worker sits for about 10 hours a day.
At Peak we spend a lot of time behind our computers when we are not working with clients. Here are 5 things you may find interesting about sitting:
1) Slower Metabolism, Brain Function and Circulation
Your metabolism slows down 90 percent after sitting 30 minutes. Moving muscles pump fresh blood and oxygen through the brain and trigger the release of all sorts of brain and mood enhancing chemicals. Circulation and brain function both slow down when sedentary for long periods of time. The Washington Post
2) Good Cholesterol Drops
After two hours of sitting, good cholesterol drops 20 percent. Business Week
3) Health Issues
Medical researchers have long warned that prolonged sitting is dangerous, associated with a significantly higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and depression.
4) Muscle/Joint/Back issues
Abdominal muscles go unused when sitting and the spine can become inflexible which can be a greater risk for herniated lumbar disks. (“Don’t just sit there!”)
5) Recommendations
According to the British Journal of Sports medicine Americans should stand, move, and take breaks for at least two out of eight hours of work. They should gradually work up to spending at least half their work day in these “light-intensity activities”. Experts recommend the following: (“Don’t just sit there!”)
a) alternate between standing and sitting at your desk
b) use a stability ball instead of a chair
c) stop and stretch your hip flexors for 3 minutes per side once a day
d) do Yoga poses to improve extension and flexion in your back
Peak Consulting takes both health and productivity seriously, so we recently implemented standing desks by Varidesk. Research shows that excessive sitting or standing is harmful so the Varidesk solution helps address both issues. It can be used in the down position while sitting or easily transitioned to the standing position. We have them for all our employees and we like them a lot. Check out the Varidesk website for more information: http://www.varidesk.com.
