15 Mar A Body in Motion is a Healthy Body
Vancouver is named one of the healthiest cities in the world. Large offices around British Columbia have incorporated ways that their workers can be healthy, stay on track and be happy, especially while at work. However, some of these things may seem extreme to smaller business such as putting in an office gym, treadmill desks, or hosting lunch break yoga classes. Creating healthy movement can be as simple as replacing the stagnant desks with height adjustable desks, giving each employee the option to sit or stand.
Movement is essential for spinal health, by improving circulation and reducing muscle fatigue.
Relief from Static Muscle Fatigue can only be achieved through muscle movement. Increased blood flow to fatigued muscles occurs when standing and walking, which re-energizes the muscles. According to recent research, people need to get out of their chairs and move at least five minutes per hour.
Sitting all day is simply not healthy; it increases your risk of diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and early death. The human body as a whole is designed to be in motion, and not to be sitting for extended periods of time.
But it’s important to note prolonged standing can also have bad health effects. Compared to sitting, when we stand, our hearts and circulatory systems work harder to maintain blood flow to the brain, because they are countering the effects of gravity. Standing still for long periods of time can lead to swelling, heaviness or cramping of the legs.
To obtain the health benefits of standing and reduce the potential harmful effects, the best option is to alternate between sitting and standing. Alternating between sitting and standing will increase muscular contractions, stimulating blood flow and resulting in more calories burnt and healthier blood sugar levels. Recent findings from our lab show that alternating between 30 minutes of sitting and standing can improve blood sugar levels after a meal.
So if you need to move, why shouldn’t your desk move with you? Most people are under the impression that height adjustable desks are expensive; however, due to the increase in popularity there are height adjustable desk in every price range, varying from a manual hand crank to gas lift and electric. People have been using standing height desks since the 1700’s, it might be time for you to do the same, and alternate between sitting and standing.
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