Do This Not That—Daily Tips to Combat a Sedentary Lifestyle

Here’s a scary fact that you shouldn’t take sitting down: it’s likely that you spend up to 56 hours a week sitting at your desk, steering wheel or on the couch in front of your TV. Sitting can be killing us by way of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

As human beings, we are meant to stand upright and move about. As technology advances and work week hours increase, activity is slowly diminishing from our daily lives. We can shop, pay bills, work and catch up with family and friends without even standing up.

So how can you shake up the sedentary lifestyle most of us are living? Stand up every half hour or move around for a few minutes before sitting back down. When you need to read emails or take phone calls, do it standing up. Walk to your colleagues’ desks to brainstorm ideas or discuss notes from the meeting. Consider trading your chair for a stability ball or try out a standing desk. It will force you to engage your muscles and you will be—you guessed it—standing up more!

Check out the impact these mini moves will make on your daily routine:

Do This:

Stand at your desk—115 calories burned per hour

Not That:

Sit at your desk—83 calories burned per hour

Do This:

Take the stairs—509 calories burned

Not That:

Ride the elevator—128 calories burned

Do This:

Shop at the mall—147 calories burned when walking quickly and carrying bags

Not That:

Shop online—96 calories burned

Do This:

Cook at home—128 calories burned

Not That:

Ordering takeout—96 calories burned

Do This:

Walk to your coworker’s office—128 calories burned

Not That:

E-mailing or calling your coworker—96 calories burned

Avoid health risks, aches and pains by making these simple changes in your daily life. Give these ‘do this not that’ tips a try and let us know what you think!

Are you suffering from pain that is preventing you from being more active? Contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Above & Beyond physical therapists!