Wednesday, April 4, 2012

New Fitness Study: Slight modifications in our sedentary work time can make us healthier!

A new study out of Finland and another study out of Australia  backs up the idea that for people in sedentary jobs minor modifications in daily non-exercise activities may make a big difference increasing health. 


The Finnish study used clothing technology to measure an individuals activity. The results showed that irrespective of the individual's fitness training,  the muscles are inactive about 70 per cent of the day.


In other words, these studies are saying regardless of your gym time or exercise program, the amount of sitting time has a significant effect of your overall health. 


Reducing sitting time seems to be Key


It might be as simple as standing up and getting your own copies from the printer, your own coffee or standing up to talk each time your phone rings.  Some companies like Boeing offer ergonomic desks that can move into standing positions.  I also like to use http://e.ggtimer.com/  to remind me to get up and stretch. 


As the Finnish study concludes:
"Exercise for fitness, regardless of its duration, does not decrease the inactivity time during normal daily life. This is possible by slight modifications in daily non-exercise activities."


Slight modifications in our inactive time can make us healthier. This is good news for those of us with jobs in front of a computer! - MF

(*Exercise for fitness does not decrease the muscular inactivity time during normal daily life -Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland)


(*Sitting time and all-cause mortality risk in 222 497 Australian adults -Level 2, Medical Foundation Building. hidde.vanderploeg@sydney.edu.au)

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