Research from a recent study conducted in Switzerland indicates that women who sit for long periods of time increase their risk of metabolic disease by 26 percent. And here’s the kicker – this was evident even if they regularly engage in a plan of moderate to vigorous exercise. Yikes!
Want to get and stay healthy?
The scientists who performed this study recommend that, if you’ll be sitting for extended periods, you get up periodically and move your butt. Walk up and down the stairs. Take a walk around the block. Just keep that metabolism in gear.
Some additional tips:
If you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Instead of looking for a parking spot closest to your destination, park a little farther away and walk.
Fido needs his exercise too. Some say that a dog is a cuddly home gym. Take advantage of your pooch’s nature calls and take him for a long walk several times a day.
Hate TV commercials? Use them to your advantage by doing crunches, lunges, walking in place in front of the TV or biceps curl for the duration of each commercial break. Exercising in two minute increments seems like nothing – but it all adds up.
The next time you’re at the mall, take a couple of laps around EACH level before you do your shopping.
When the weather’s nice, make a point of walking around the block each morning before you start your day.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for a period of two minutes. Take care of your teeth and your legs by squatting as you brush.
Do the same while waiting for a cup of coffee to heat up in the microwave. Use the seconds and do jumping jacks as the timer ticks down.
The point is to squeeze in exercise whenever you can to stay healthy.
