A co-worker from a previous desk job sent me this link, “Sitting is Killing You: The Truth About Sitting Down.” Have you seen this article?
Here are some quick stats:
- people sit for an average of 9.3 hours/day
- 1 in 3 Americans is obese
- between 1980 and 2000, sitting time increased and obesity doubled
- people with sitting jobs have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease as people with standing jobs
- you only burn 1 calorie/minute when sitting
- you burn 3-5 calories/minute when walking
- If you have a sitting job, take every opportunity to stand up and walk around!
And I thought this was an interesting fact:
Please click through to read more about Sitting is Killing You.
Sometimes I say, “My feet hurt!” And they don’t actually hurt as in “injury”, but they ache from hours of standing.
- My feet ache because I have an active lifestyle.
- My feet ache because I have the ability to bike, run, and practice yoga.
- My feet ache because I stand on them for the majority of my waking hours.
- My feet ache because I don’t have a desk job.
I’m thankful that my feet ache.
And one thing’s for sure: I can’t remember the last time my butt fell asleep.
I need new shoes, but I’ll leave that topic for another day. I’m off to ride my bike!
Do you have a desk job, or a job where you stand for most of the day?
If you sit most of the day for work, do you stand up and walk around or exercise during the day? Any good tips to stay active?
~Bird
I’ve seen this a few times and it freaks me out every time I read it because I do have a desk job. My previous job was much less structured and therefore I moved around a lot more. Now, however, I’m stuck in my office for almost 8 hours a day! I have had to make much more of a concious effort to get up and get moving after work each day!
It is kinds of scary! And I hope this post didn’t come off as being harsh. There are benefits to every type of job, and I’ve had so many different jobs in my twenties. It’s great to just get up and stretch or walk around for a minute or 2 to give yourself some energy and clear your head!
I have a desk job, but it requires me to do a lot of running around to meetings and other things. I don’t mind it much. I also make a point to get up and walk around the building when I’m feeling a little tired.
That’s good that you aren’t stuck in a chair all day! A little walk/stretching really does provide a good dose of energy.
Scary scary stats. Seriously. I am lucky that I work from home and can get up and take a walk around the house, outside etc. Being caged up at a desk sucks, and I don’t know that I could go back to a ‘regular’ job not working from home again!! I would love to have a more active job, like you, though, so awesome, so inspiring!
I feel the same way – not sure if I could ever go back to an all-day desk job. It’s just not a fulfilling way for me to live, but I understand it works really well for some people!
Those stats are quite alarming, but I’m really interested in the 135 degrees sitting…will definitely show my boyfriend as he works at a desk. I try to be active by walking around as much as possible when I’m at my desk – taking little breaks often – and I also practice and teach yoga, which I find wonderful for stretching out my shoulders and opening my chest and strengthening my back
xyx
That’s wonderful that you teach yoga! I’ve fallen in love with yoga over the passed several months, and can’t imagine that I’ll ever stop practicing in some way for as long as I live. It’s wonderful for the mind + body.
That’s so cool! I agree with you 100% – that’s what makes it so special <3 happy yoga-ing! xyx
I have a desk job & can really tell that sitting takes a toll on my body! I do try to get up & walk around multiple times a day, but it’s never enough to counteract all of the sitting. I’m quite surprised by the 135* point though – we’re always told that 90* is best ergonomically! I’m definitely readjusting my chair now though. Thanks for the info!
i work retail (as you know!) so i am on my feet 100% of the time i am at work. and i wouldn’t have it any other way. after some trial and error with footwear, i have found that my nike free shoes (any of the four pairs, haha!) are the best. with regular running shoes, i get a tight lower back, and other footwear gives me sore/tired feet. it took some trial and error!
have a wonderful day!
So good to know about the Nike Frees! I’ve heard great things, but it sounds like you’ve done the trial and error and found the best shoe for the job.
Billy and I are both looking into getting a pair.
For shoes, I am a huge fan of dansco clogs–very popular with nurses, chefs, and teachers. They offer incredible support. I’m on my feet all day, which I love. But, I have terrible leg circulation and have some vein issues, so I need great support. Flip flops are killer and my clogs are on my feet 75% of the time.
Ugh, I do have a desk job and hate that I sit so much. I have to remind myself to get up and move around. My legs end up so sore after a morning run or after a weight day mostly because I’m sitting. It stinks. I miss my retail/waitress days just b/c I was up and moving.
There are benefits (literally!) to both types of jobs. At least you get up to walk around, and you also take those lunchtime spin classes – that’s awesome!
I sit all day for work, but I try to stretch my hip flexors and my spine in my chair. I just kneel back on a knee and go for it…luckily I don’t have a fancy office, lol! My ultimate goal is to eventually work for myself so sitting is not an issue.
haha – love it. And I think it’s great to just stretch it out whenever you can throughout the day. It keeps us energetic and fresh.
I have a desk job and sit for most of the day. I do get up and walk around to meet with other people or fill up my water bottle. It was so nice when I was able to get out and run during lunch so I could get my blood flowing a bit during the day. Now that it is so hot, I can’t.
I know that feeling well – once the heat of summer is here, it’s like a shock to walk outside from A/C to 100 degrees. It’s not a good feeling! At least you get to move around a bit during the day and not stay seated the entire time. Plus, I’m sure running around after kids must counteract some of it, right??
Such a good article! I remember having to adjust to being on my feet for HOURS every day (working), and then having to readjust to actually sitting for most of the day
My body is all confused – I try to walk/clean/do-anything to avoid sitting on the couch once I get home from work. Why go from one seat to the next? Too boring.
You have gone back and forth, but you are so active outside of work and on the weekends and your body is in great shape! You probably burn more cals than the average seated person.
LOL! I can’t remember the last time my butt fell asleep either, unless its on an airplane. haha.
So thankful for sore muscles from my Job. WOOHOO!
YES! It does usually happen on an airplane – haha. But I have such a tiny bladder that I always end up standing several times each flight.
This study terrifies me. Even people who are active are at risk! I don’t have a desk job, but I do spend a lot of time in front of a computer. I’m trying to make my breaks more regular, and more active!
I used to spend so much time in front of my computer, but now it’s usually on a couple of hours on my day off (like today!). Otherwise, I’d rather be moving around doing something.
One of the things I am most excited about with my new job is that I’ll be on my feet instead of at a desk! I HATE sitting all day!
You’ll love it, Clare! Especially after an energizing Bikram class in the morning.
During the school year when I work, I am alwyas on my feet. As a teacher, I”m always on the go! During the summer, I’m always doing something to stay active as well!
This post just reminds me how thankful I am not to have a desk job anymore! My whole body just feels and functions better now that I’m not sitting at a desk 60+ hours a week. Yay for aching feet!
I have a desk job.
Always have.
But when I have to file I do it with gusto!
Also, 135 degrees? Who knew?