Introduction
Sedentary lifestyle is a lifestyle type characterised by an abundance of sedentary behaviour. A person living a sedentary lifestyle often finds themselves sitting & lying down while engaged in an activity like socialising, watching TV, playing video games, ready or using a mobile phone/computer for much of the day.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is becoming a significant public health issue. Sedentary lifestyles appear to be increasingly widespread in many nations despite begin linked to a range of chronic health conditions.
According to the governments activity guidelines adults should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity each week.
Research suggests that only 21% of adults are meeting the physical activity guidelines, while less than 5% perform 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
Dangers of a sedentary lifestyle
Studies have now consistently demonstrated that leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to:
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Some types of cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Early death
Extended periods of inactivity can reduce metabolism and impair the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels, regulate blood pressure and break down fat.
Solutions to a sedentary lifestyle
A more active lifestyle can significantly reduce the chances of chronic health conditions.
Increasing physical activity
Research has shown that physical activity, including exercise and sports, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and early death.
It is best to combine a variety of cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, running or cycling, along with strength-training exercises, which can include weight training or body-weight exercises. Completing at least three 30 minute runs/cycles and doing two 30 minute strength - training sessions per week would be sufficient to meet the minimum physical activity guidelines.
Reducing the time spent being sedentary
People can reduce the amount of time they spend being sedentary by:
Standing rather than sitting
Walking to work where possible
Walking on lunch breaks
Setting reminders to stand up every 30minutes when working at a desk
Investing in a standing desk when at work
Spending time doing chores around the house, EG: DIY & gardening
Taking phone calls while walking around the office or outside
Free time can be spent doing physical activity
Taking the stairs instead using the elevator
I hope this blog was interesting, consisting of statistics that you may not have known and easy ideas to make little tweaks in your life to encourage moving your body more!
Take care,
Liv
BSc Hons Sports Therapy MSST
MSc Strength and Conditioning
07761887778
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