Los Altos, CA
Most of us have heard the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking.” The implication, of course, is that sitting too much is actually harmful to your health. What might surprise you, however, is just how detrimental sitting can be. With one in four Americans sitting for eight hours per day or more, there’s never been a better time for all of us to get up and get moving.
The biggest reason why sitting so much is harmful to your health is that all the time you spend sitting is time spent not being physically active – and it’s well known that even light activity like walking or housework supports physical and mental well-being.
In my practice, I see a vicious cycle affecting many of my (especially older) patients: Sitting leads to weakness and decreased energy, which makes it harder to move. And because it’s harder to move, people move even less – leading to even more muscle loss and an increased risk of even greater health problems.
Simply put, research has shown that if you sit too much, you dramatically increase your risk of chronic health problems.
Some of the health issues you may start to experience may include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Bad posture
- Impaired balance, increased risk of falling
- Osteoporosis
- Weight gain and obesity
- Poor heart health and cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis
Unfortunately, all of these conditions will only get worse and worse if you continue to sit for long periods every day.
What This Really Means… For YOU…
Exercising regularly is essential for a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life – no question. And even just 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day could be enough to combat the negative health effects of sitting.
So how are you really doing? Are you experiencing any of the chronic health problems listed above?
If so, then it’s time you take action to turn your health around before it’s too late.
If you have a health condition that makes movement difficult, we can help you move more safely and comfortably.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes work, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes much easier.
An active lifestyle is more than possible, even if you struggle with chronic pain. If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, we are here to help.
Call to talk to us about your unique issue… because when you move better, you live better.