How much do you sit? We all know how important it is to be healthy and active and research is proving the importance of being physically active more and more each day.
Recently Motivating Mum Linda Hallas took on the challenge of sitting less and you can see her story here.
And we would like you to take our OCSTANDBER challenge in October!
So why should we try and stand more?
Recent studies from Bethany Howard and Neville Owen, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute have shown that most people sit for an average for a massive 9 hours a day, that’s longer than most people spend sleeping!
Bethany Howard and Neville Owen say that “the evidence is mounting to show that spending too much sitting at work, home, during your commute and for leisure increases your risk of diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and early death.
Here’s what happens as soon as you sit down
- Calorie Burning drops to 1 per minute
- Enzymes that help break down fat drop 90%
- Electrical activity in your legs shuts off as soon as you sit down
After 2 hours of sitting
Good Cholesterol drop 20%
But it’s important to note prolonged standing can also have adverse 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.
Alternating between sitting and standing will increase muscular contractions, stimulating blood flow and resulting in more calories burnt and healthier blood sugar levels.”
So what can we do to sit less?
Take part in our new OCSTANDBER CHALLENGE where we are challenging you little by little each day to sit less and move more.
- Standing increases energy increase above sitting by 10%
- Walking increases energy increase above sitting by 150%
Some other ways for you to sit less could be to include more incidental exercise into your day like vacuuming or sweeping the floor, walking laps around your clothesline while you hang out the washing, play with your kids more- the possibilities are endless.
So next time you think of sitting, try standing first- your body and mind will thank you for it!
And ladies if you love a Challenge make sure you jump on board with our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge – it is AWESOME and thousands of mums do it and feel amazing. Plus you get access to over 350 recipes exclusive to Challenge members and all menus are customisable – learn all about it here
Need to stock up on Healthy Mummy Smoothies? Then see our shop here
And join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges here
