Reducing Sedentary Behaviors: Sitting Less and Moving More

Research states that individuals who consistently perform moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise each week are more likely to live a long, healthy life. Yet, advances in technology today have created an environment that promotes moving less and sitting more. Picture this: a normal work day consists of sitting to eat breakfast, sitting in your car as you head to work, sitting at your desk all day, sitting to eat lunch, sitting in your car on the way home, sitting to eat dinner, and possibly relaxing on the couch to read or watch your favorite show. That’s a whole lot of sitting, and if this normal work day is not accompanied by an appropriate amount of physical activity, it causes many issues. This is your first step in creating an action plan to increase your activity level in the new year. The foundation of this plan should be at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. Increase your activity throughout the day by taking the long route to the lunch line, taking the stairs whenever possible, walking briskly to meetings and standing up at least once every half hour.