THE EFFECTS OF EXTENDED SITTING

Inactivity has been declared a global pandemic. It has been proven to be as bad for your health as smoking or obesity. It is a persistent problem in wealthier countries. There is a close relationship between inactivity and obesity but the area of particular concern to many is the trend of those older also becoming less active. Elder health declines significantly the more inactive you are. 
What happens when we are inactive?
  • Our core weakens. When the core is weaker the body is less supported, particularly the spine. Compression on tender spinal joints then has a bigger impact exacerbating or creating problems like sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis of the spine.
  • Our body stiffens particularly the leg and spine joints.
  • The muscles at the back of the legs shorten and tighten producing leg cramps, difficulty walking and foot problems like plantar fasciitis.
  • Posture worsens. The shoulders roll forward, the back of the neck shortens and tightens, and the ribcage compresses down making breathing shallower.
  • Circulation worsens. Health declines when circulation worsens.
  • Toxicity persists longer in the body. As we sit inactive, our normal body functions slow. As a result the toxins produced as a natural effect of eating and breathing are expelled at a slower pace, remaining in our body longer. Excess toxicity often displays as feelings of irritability.
  • Extended sitting causes us to feel tired and sluggish. It seems like a paradox as does the reverse. Doing something gives us energy.
  • Depression increases.
  • We fall more.
  • And worst of all, inactivity changes who we think we are and what think we are capable of doing.

The benefits of consistent exercise:

  • Increases strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.
  • Reduces foot shuffling, therefore lowering fall risk substantially.
  • We learn how to walk much more easily.
  • Reduces pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.
  • Reduces or eliminates lower back pain.
  • Heals injuries.
  • Reduces dizziness.
  • Improves stabiity.
  • Improves posture.
  • Increases energy level.
  • Increases self confidence and appearance.
  • Reduces the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, Parkinson's, rotator cuff injuries, back pain, effects of stroke and depression.
  • ABOVE ALL, EXERCISE PREVENTS FALLS.

Do not settle for an inactive life. You don't have to feel that life is an endlessly downhill struggle. Get the boost of energy you've been dreaming of. Put a spring back in your step. Get your confidence back. Get your life back! Don't believe the myths about aging. You can get stronger and more flexible no matter how old you are or how old you feel. You really do not have to do much to reverse the effects described above. But you do have to take action and get more active.

One activity is especially helpful if you are fearful of falls. Excellent balance training is available that teaches you how to prevent having falls while at the same time improving your balance skills, self confidence and overall fitness. Building Better Balance was designed for that purpose.

Updated October 13, 2020