Quit the Sit

By AARON DORKSEN – 3G Cardio Fitness Editor

Most of us have heard by now the dangers of sitting too much. Sitting has been called the new smoking, and the new cancer.

Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a long list of harmful consequences. The health concerns can include developing conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

It all boils down to this: too much sitting can increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

I have a free prescription to help cure your ills that it doesn’t take a doctor to write: Use a treadmill!

According to the MayoClinic.com, “The impact of movement — even leisurely movement — can be profound. For starters, you’ll burn more calories. This might lead to weight loss and increased energy. Also, physical activity helps maintain muscle tone, your ability to move and your mental well-being, especially as you age.”

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How much sitting is too much?

If you are sitting 8 hours or more a day, it can be harmful, according to the Mayo Clinic. Whether you’re seated at a desk, behind a wheel, or in front of a screen for prolonged periods of time, it can be harmful.

“An analysis of 13 studies of sitting time and activity levels found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of dying posed by obesity and smoking,” MayoClinic.com reported. “However, unlike some other studies, this analysis of data from more than 1 million people found that 60 to 75 minutes of moderately intense physical activity a day countered the effects of too much sitting. Another study found that sitting time contributed little to mortality for people who were most active.”

Using a treadmill is a great way to make sure you are up on your feet, waling or running. If you buy your own treadmill, such as an award-winning 3G Cardio treadmill, you can exercise day or night in the convenience of your own home, apartment, office, etc.

Find ways to stand up

It’s hard to know exactly how many years “sitting around” with limited activity takes off of the life of an average person. A lot more studies would need to be done.

However, it’s pretty obvious that more movement and less sitting leads to better health. I understand that some people have jobs that require them to sit for long periods of time, but most everyone can find ways to stand up and move more.

Here are some great tips from the Mayo Clinic to literally get off your seat. Follow them and they could greatly improve your health and overall well-being:

• Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
• Stand while talking on the phone or watching television.
• If you work at a desk, try a standing desk — or improvise with a high table or counter.
• Walk with your colleagues for meetings rather than sitting in a conference room.
• Position your work surface above a treadmill — with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand or a specialized treadmill-ready vertical desk — so that you can be in motion throughout the day.

NOTE: Consult a doctor or certified fitness trainer before starting any new workout program to determine if it’s right for your needs. This is especially true if you (or your family) have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately.

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