Top 5 Reasons to move more, more often

In 2021 we are spending more time than ever sitting; working from home, binging box sets, online shopping, gaming, scrolling social media!

The government states that adults should reduce the time they spend sedentary and when possible try to break up long periods or inactivity with some sort of physical activity - no matter how light!

But what do we mean when we say sedentary? Sedentary behaviour is defined as activities that require minimal movement thus resulting in low energy expenditure (typically defined in research as below 1.5 METS). This activity is similar to resting and includes behaviours such as work, travel and screen based activities such as watching TV, gaming and social media use.

We are awake for around 16 hours in a day and recent studies suggest working out for just 1 of them may not be sufficient to prevent negative health outcomes. It's the other 15 hours that count and here's why:

1) Better Mental Health

Being sedentary for long periods of time has been linked to depression, anxiety and low self esteem. It is especially prevalent when the sedentary time is spent in front of a screen; working, watching TV or browsing the internet.

2) Anti-Aging

OK, so not quite anti-ageing, but older people who spent less time moving and more time sitting had poorer balance, limited functional mobility and were more likely to have had a fall than those who moved more.

3) Improved Heart Health

Two seems to be the magic number in the majority of studies when it comes to sitting. Those who were sedentary for 2 hours or more per day (not including sleep) were at higher risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of physical activity levels.

4) Stronger Bones

Weight bearing exercises are key for our bone health. Sitting is not weight bearing and therefor won't help maintain bone strength when compare to getting up and moving.

5) Weight-loss

Not only will we be burning more calories by moving more, there is a positive correlation between time spent sedentary and unhealthy eating habits. As we know diet is key when weight-loss is the goal.

So the next question is HOW can we move more, more often...check out my next blog post for my top tips!