Sneaky signs you’re sitting too much
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. You stand up to make coffee, only to sit back down with the mug, the laptop and yes, maybe even your cat. Sitting too long can sneak up on you like a ninja. Here are the clues that you have officially become one with your chair:
1. Your legs and glutes have gone AWOL
Yes, those muscles are still alive … somewhere … but all the squats you skip are conspiring to weaken them. As the National Library of Medicine notes, exercising your legs and glutes is important so they do not become weak and unable to perform the necessary steps for a healthy life. Steps, did you catch that?
2. Your waistline is staging a hostile takeover
Your “active metabolism” called and said it quit. According to MedlinePlus, an inactive lifestyle shoos away muscle strength, burns fewer calories and makes weight gain feel less optional and more inevitable.
3. Your posture looks like a question mark
Rounded shoulders, forward head, general limp-noodle vibe. Blame it on too much chair time. The Victorian health site highlights that long periods of sitting mess with posture, weaken core muscles, and lead to back pain and jarring muscle imbalances.
4. You’re feeling depressed
The connection between sitting too much and depression is not clear, but according to the Better Health Channel, the risk of anxiety and depression is higher among people who sit more.
5. Your heart and metabolism are quietly staging a revolt
Urgent warning: prolonged sitting increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and early death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores how such sedentary behavior, independent of exercise habits, dramatically raises the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and more.
So, what now?
Next time your legs forget what walking feels like, maybe it’s time to stand up (literally), shake things up with some stretches or even a five-minute walk. Your glutes and your heart will send you a thank-you note.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
