Sitting is the New Smoking

Recognize this?

Sit in your car and drive to work, get settled in and sit at your computer for the day, sit at the dinner table to enjoy a meal and finally sit to relax /catch up on your Netflix and social media before sleeping. I wish this was an exaggeration, but it is a reality for far too many people.

An average Canadian spends nearly 70% of their waking hours sitting. And did you know long periods of sitting increase your risk of: heart disease, cancer, etc. EVEN IF YOU EXERCISE EVERY DAY

Not to mention prolonged sitting is often associated with poor posture which can lead to: neck, shoulder and hip stiffness, back pain and muscle weakness

Although it may seem impossible to change our sitting time due to work, school or other obligations; Here are some tips to reduce your daily sitting time:

1️: Use a tall piece of furniture as your standing desk / consider investing in a Sit to Stand desk

2️: Spend time stretching while watching TV

3️: Stand up and move during calls (and/or) Take 5mins/hour to move

4: Do a quick Google/Youtube search on “Office Ergonomics” to ensure your sitting time can be as healthy as possible

Gilles Fougere, PT