While we all know how bad smoking is for our health, one cardiologist has warned there is also one lifestyle habit that can lead to unhealthy ways. Stephen Williams, a cardiologist, has revealed that sitting still is just as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes.
Stephen said a sedentary lifestyle is now seen as the “new smoking lifestyle”, and sitting down all day can really impact your health. As many of us will sit behind a desk each day at work, it’s hard not to be sedentary, but he has urged people to try and be as active as possible to help their heart and body health. But even those who opt for a standing desk still aren’t doing enough, according to the expert.
While standing desks are marketed at getting people moving, they aren’t the magic fix either – even if you are burning more calories. He said movement is ‘key’ as physical activity can help with weight management, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, strengthen bones and reduce inflammation. But according to Stephen, even those on their feet all day are probably not doing enough.
“When people come to the office and say that they have an active life because they are on their feet all day, I am not impressed. You may not be moving at a pace that fits the definition of ‘physical activity’,” he told New York Post. Sitting still for prolonged amounts of time has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, depression and some cancers.
According to Ben Greenfield, a biohacker and fitness guru, being sedentary for more than 60-90 minutes is bad for you – no matter what position, including standing up. He said instead of just focusing on standing, it’s crucial to “get moving”.
He explained in an interview with the Optimize Yourself podcast that you don’t need to spend hours in the gym or running for miles, but just getting your heart rate up for 10-15 minutes at a time, for 30 minutes a day would be ‘beneficial’.
Being active also boosts brain function and can help alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. “If you have been totally sedentary, even a stroll is beneficial.
Another way to gauge intensity is by monitoring your heart rate during activity and making sure that you are within 50-70% of your max heart rate, which is calculated by subtracting your age from 220,” he added.
Experts recommend standing up from your desk and moving around every 30 minutes or so to maintain good health and prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
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