Follow Your Nature
A typical American spends up to 95% of a working day sitting. This accounts for our time in commute, work, meals and watching TV. (31) The root of the problem lies in a fact that seems counter-intuitive: the human body is not made to sit for extended periods of time. We are designed to be on the move. Movement is important to keep the spine healthy, improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Sitting or standing still for extended periods is detrimental to our health. (1)
When we are standing, the pressure on the intervertebral discs of the lower back is fairly low, much lower than when we sit unsupported. However, standing uses about 20% more energy than sitting, so we get tired more quickly and look to sit down. (1)
Being in one position too long induces static muscle exertion, which inhibits blood flow. Consequently, the muscles become fatigued, which causes an antsy, anxious feeling that induces the need to exercise the muscles. (6)
The natural response to the antsy feeling from static muscle fatigue is to fidget, which usually entails automatically shifting postures within the chair. However, these minor postural changes typically do not provide adequate increases in blood flow to relieve the fatigued muscles. (6)
Static muscle fatigue is relieved only through muscle movement. Standing and walking increases the blood flow to fatigued muscles and re-energizes them. People need to get out of their chairs and move at least 5 minutes per hour to minimize that antsy feeling. (1)
Alternating between sit and stand positions adjusts the amount of load on the body allowing for increased rest intervals of specific body parts, thus reducing the adverse impact of risk factors. (3)
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A typical American spends up to 95% of a working day sitting. This accounts for our time in commute, work, meals and watching TV. (31) The root of the problem lies in a fact that seems counter-intuitive: the human body is not made to sit for extended periods of time. We are designed to be on the move. Movement is important to keep the spine healthy, improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Sitting or standing still for extended periods is detrimental to our health. (1)
When we are standing, the pressure on the intervertebral discs of the lower back is fairly low, much lower than when we sit unsupported. However, standing uses about 20% more energy than sitting, so we get tired more quickly and look to sit down. (1)
Being in one position too long induces static muscle exertion, which inhibits blood flow. Consequently, the muscles become fatigued, which causes an antsy, anxious feeling that induces the need to exercise the muscles. (6)
The natural response to the antsy feeling from static muscle fatigue is to fidget, which usually entails automatically shifting postures within the chair. However, these minor postural changes typically do not provide adequate increases in blood flow to relieve the fatigued muscles. (6)
Static muscle fatigue is relieved only through muscle movement. Standing and walking increases the blood flow to fatigued muscles and re-energizes them. People need to get out of their chairs and move at least 5 minutes per hour to minimize that antsy feeling. (1)
Alternating between sit and stand positions adjusts the amount of load on the body allowing for increased rest intervals of specific body parts, thus reducing the adverse impact of risk factors. (3)
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