Depending on your career, you may find yourself sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. While it may not seem like a big deal on a daily basis, it can take a toll on your life in the long run.
Here are three issues that can come about from spending too many hours sitting:
1. Weight gain
When you spend most of your day sitting, your body finds it more difficult to process the sugars and fats that you eat. Subsequently, you’ll find yourself gaining weight. And when that happens, other health concerns move to the forefront.
2. Weak legs
Let’s put it this way. If you don’t exercise your legs, they’ll become weak. It really is that simple. The more you sit the greater chance there is of muscle atrophy settling in. Should that happen, you lose stability and increase the risk of greater injury.
3. Poor posture
Your hips, back, and neck have the potential to suffer from long periods of sitting. If you crouch or slouch, your posture will be affected. And when that happens, you can run into more advanced issues such as the premature degeneration of spinal discs.
These potential issues don’t mean you should find a new job. Instead, take action such as using an ergonomic chair, conducting desk exercises, and standing up once or twice an hour to stretch.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.