The average adult spends more than 90 percent of his/her waking hours sitting!  To make it even worse…this sedentary activity can go on for hours!  He/she goes from the breakfast table to the car, to a desk, back to the table for diner and finally the couch to watch the latest episode of the “Biggest Loser.”

Sitting for long periods can be associated with a five to 23 percent increase in the risk of obesity and a seven to 14 percent increase in the risk of Type 2 diabetes.  The risk of ovarian cancer is also enhanced due to prolonged sitting.

The future is also looking like we will be spending more time sitting – with the advances in technology, communication and transportation.

Combine the following suggestions with at least 30 to 45 minutes a day of moderate to intense exercise to help with the consequences of prolonged sitting:

· Stand up when you answer the phone

· Walk down the hall to fill your water bottle

· Walk to your colleagues office instead of sending an email

· Park further

· Take the stairs instead of the elevator

· Budget five minutes of every hour to get out of your chair

· Stand, stretch or go for a walk

This can reduce your waist size by an average of two to three inches compared to those who sit all day!

Jay Raymundo

NRG Fitness Inc.

(Source – Jill Barker – Canwest News Service)