​Living A Sedentary Lifestyle Myths and Facts For Your Best Life

As we continue to share ideas on the sedentary lifestyle and wanting to help you move more today, we are talking about the myths and facts. Our topic today is living a sedentary lifestyle myths and facts for  your best life. 

"The Top 4 Causes of Medical Problems: stress,negative mindset,poor diet, sedentary lifestyle." - Author: Charles F. Glassman

We know today that physical inactivity has led to the rise of sedentary disease, a metabolic syndrome that increases the risk for chronic medical conditions.

What Does Sedentary Mean? 

This comes from the Latin word sedere, meaning to sit. 

Examples of sedentary activities include:

• Driving or riding in a car
• Working on a computer
• Sitting in a meeting
• Watching TV
• Reading

Simple to understand, right? 

Monitoring sitting time is important for two reasons. 

First, sitting time decreases the time available for moderate-to-vigorous activity. Secondly, the more sitting time replaces light-intensity activity, the less overall activity a person does. 

According to a study published in the Exercise and Sports Science Reviews journal, two hours of light intensity activity equals 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking.

There are common misconceptions about sedentary disease that are valid to address. 

Here are five important myths and facts to consider.

Fact number one is sedentary jobs are a primary concern for those living sedentary lifestyles. According to the American Heart Association, sedentary jobs have increased by 83% since 1950 in the United States.

Fact number two is sadly, only 20% of the population meets the criteria needed to be classified as performing a regular activity.

Physical activity is only important for younger people is a common myth. After a certain age, there is no need to monitor that sort of thing. The truth is physical activity is essential for everyone. 

The ageing face even more health concerns and since sedentary behaviour provokes a list of diseases and ailments, it is in the best interest of those who are at higher risk to remain vigilant. 

The World Health Organization recommends that anyone over the age of 65 get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity each week.

I have no time to exercise! Another myth and the most common excuse that is 100% false. The suggested 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week by the World Health Organization can be done in small spurts. 

Maybe there is time to do a minute of fast-paced squats before you take off to work, a brisk walk for your phone meeting, and the opportunity to use the stair climber after work while you're waiting for your appointment down the street. 

Standing is just as good as walking when avoiding being sedentary is another myth. Though standing is a way to combat sedentary behaviour, it is not a long-term solution, nor does it substitute walking. Being sedentary means that you are not moving your muscles adequately, which can be done effectively through a combination of exercise and daily physical activities. 

The final myth is that doing 30 minutes of physical activity a day solves the concern of being sedentary. Wrong! Though that 30 minutes truly counts, the rest of the day and how it is spent is essential. 

Sedentary behaviour is when the majority of a person’s time is spent not using their muscular system, not standing- usually sitting or lying down. If this is the trend for the day other than that 30 minutes, then sedentary disease is a concern. 

While researchers and doctors have previously promoted active exercise, newer research points to the need for exercise and general movement. 

Even light-intensity activities help protect your body from sedentary disease. Scientists now know that the longer you sit, the greater your risk for health problems. 

Regular movement and active exercise both play a role in preventing the health problems associated with sedentary disease.

Share any thoughts or ideas in the comments below. 
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