Time Magazine – Danger of a Sedentary Lifestyle

The Time Magazine is looking at sitting as a national problem. It’s no secret that Americans are on top of the list of people who are overweight. Many live on fast food, whereas others munch throughout the day. Although food can easily add pounds to an individual’s waist or hips, food alone is not the primary reason why we are in so much trouble. Living a sedentary lifestyle not only makes a person look big but also contributes to various diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes–all of which can lead to premature death. In addition, sitting too much increases the risk of developing different types of cancer such as colon, lung, and endometrial.

Many people view standing to be a punishment. Whether we are on the bus, at an airport, or at work, we will do whatever we can to find a seat so that we can be more comfortable. What we don’t realize is that we can actually burn more calories by standing than by sitting. In fact, researchers have shown that a person who sits for most of the day burns 300 calories, whereas a barista at a coffee shop burns 1,300 calories by standing during his shift. The average person’s response may be that he goes to his neighborhood gym three times per week, so how can he not be healthy? What he fails to realize, however, is that sitting too much actually reduces his fitness level regardless of how hard he exercises, resulting in a reduction of the benefits of exercising.

An active lifestyle leads to a healthy lifestyle. A great way to incorporate calorie burning into your lifestyle would be to use a standing desk. Whether you’re a student or an employee, you can get the job done while remaining active throughout the day. In fact, standing can help you stay energized and focused on your task so that you don’t feel tired after a long day. With a standing desk, you’ll be on your way to a long, healthy life.