Everyone knows that getting up and moving around is good for you.
But what a lot of people don’t realize is that failing to do so is actually dangerous.
In other words, sitting down all day, laying down all day, or otherwise living a ‘sedentary’ lifestyle actually increases your risk for many different types of chronic health problems.
So in this post, you’re going to learn about some of the hidden dangers associated with sitting down all day, and learn why it’s more important than ever to get up, move around, and stay active.
Let’s dive into it.
1. It Isn’t Good For Your Leg Muscles
Not surprisingly, sitting down for long periods of time can lead to a ‘wasting away’ of your gluteal and leg muscles.
Failing to use them enough can result in weakness, which incidentally can make you more susceptible to falls, accidents, and injuries.
2. You May Gain Weight
Failing to get up, get out, and exercise enough can also lead to unhealthy weight gain.
When you move around, your body does a better job of digesting the various fats and sugars you intake in your diet.
But when you spend too much time sitting, you run the risk of developing what they call ‘metabolic syndrome,’ which is basically a collection of conditions that work together to not only increase your body weight, but that also contribute to a greater increase in your risk for developing conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Obesity is a main component of metabolic syndrome. And sitting for long periods of time can definitely contribute to this if it’s not offset with proper diet and exercise.
3. Your Back And Hips May Weaken
Just as your legs and gluteals will weaken if you spend too much time sitting down, your back and hips can also weaken.
Sitting for too long causes your hip flexor muscles to shrink, which basically causes problems with your hip joints.
But sitting can also wreak havoc on your back; especially if you sit with improper posture.
It can lead to compression of your spinal discs, and can even lead to premature degeneration in your back, which is very painful.
4. Depression And Anxiety
It isn’t necessarily understood why there’s a link between anxiety and depression and people who spend more time sitting; but there is.
Most likely, this link exists because sitting causes you to miss out on the positive effects of exercise.
But in any case, it’s not a good thing.
5. Heart Disease
Sitting for long periods of time has also been linked to heart disease.
In fact, did you know that men who watch more than 23 hours of TV per week have a 64% higher chance of dying from carviovascular disease than men who watch 11 hours of TV or less per week?
It’s true; and it’s dangerous.
In Conclusion
Sitting down is sometimes necessary.
But it’s also important not to do it any more than you need to.
For best results, always choose physical activity over sitting down; whenever doing so is possible.
Getting a standing desk can also help with this.
Standing up more often, and getting more exercise, is a win/win for your health and your happiness.
Now get out there and make it happen!
