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March 28, 2012
Ready to Take a Stand?
We know standing out at work is good for our career. Turns out, standing up has its merits too – like better health.
Those who sit for six or more hours a day are 54 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack, despite having healthy eating and exercise habits.
That's according to a recent report in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal. What gives?
“Our muscles are not being stimulated – there is less oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange” when we sit over a long time, explains Dr. Tanya Douglas-Holland.
“Over time, this could lead to metabolic changes in the body which can cause poor health.”
Even more troubling: only 5 percent of Americans get half an hour of exercise a day during the week, according to the CDC.
Ready to get a move on at work? You can invest in a standup desk ($307) – a regular desk raised a few extra feet. The TrekDesk ($479) fits around a treadmill, so you can walk while typing emails, writing proposals and getting the job done.
If those options aren’t in your budget, adjusting your habits might be a better solution. Holland suggests brisk walk breaks – just 10 to 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon.
Parking farther away in the parking lot and frequent stretching – like trying to touch your toes for 20 seconds – can help break your sedentary cycle.
Set and reach goals with a pedometer that tracks your steps.
Plus, Second Act lists six ways to stay active at work, like keeping resistance bands in your desk drawer and setting a low computer alarm to remind you to do a lap around the office.
Bonus PINK Link: Get in shape at your desk with the workaholic’s workout.
By Farren Davis
“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.” Carol Welch
*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, David Castillo Dominici and Ambro.
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Comments
Taking a Stand in Jacksonville!
For Heart Health Month in February, our company's Women's Employee Resource Group organized a weekly Wednesday walk which consisted of meeting in the morning and in the afternoon for a brisk walk around the grounds for 10-15 minutes. It was exhilarating and also an awesome opportunity to change up the scenery, network with fellow employees that we do not directly interact with and build some relationships. We had an average of 20 walkers who participated each Wednesday of the month.
Now, a few of us still continue the stride and meet up once a week to get out of our chairs to connect while taking advantage of the beautiful weather here.
Great article!
LaDonna G.
Jacksonville, FL