How to avoid a sedentary lifestyle

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — We spend hours at our desks, whether it’s working from home or at the office.

“We’re sitting 40 hours a week, behind a desk creating that sedentary lifestyle,” said Todd Martin, the president of PRO-PT Physical Therapy.

Health experts add that sitting at home watching TV or scrolling through our phones also adds to a sedentary lifestyle. Martin explains the strain sitting can do to our bodies.

“Sitting is actually two and half times harder on our back than standing is actually,” said Martin. “That right there alone tells you quite a bit of why low back is the number one complaint in a physician’s office.”

Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk for heart disease, obesity, cancer, and diabetes. That’s why it’s important to get up and move if you’re sitting for a long period of time.

“The simplest thing you can do is, every hour, get up and walk a little bit,” said Martin. “Take a quick little short break and move around as much as possible if you’re sitting behind a desk.”

Martin adds that doing light stretches can help. But sitting with good posture can also reduce strain on your back.

“Sitting properly aligned absolutely can have that decreased pressure on your spine as well,” said Martin.

Anyone can fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But Martin says if you’re making a change to be more active and are experiencing back pain, make sure to see your physician right away.

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