What this new study, to be published in the April issue of Diabetes Care reported was, in edition to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise three times a week, office workers need occasional periods of standing and pacing.
The study looked at the physical activity in 168 subjects over seven days. It showed that regardless of the amount of exercise each participant had, those who took more breaks from sitting had smaller waist lines, lower body mass indexes, and lower levels of glucose in the blood. Researchers concluded, there were positive benefits to taking frequent breaks to stand, stretch, and move around.
It's unnatural for people to sit an entire eight hours. Because we were designed to stand, prolonged sitting creates a multitude of problems, including skeletal system issues.
One way to help lower insurance and disability claims is to instill a wellness program in your school. Encourage people to join walking groups, and/or take a fitness class together. You may also consider purchasing ergonomic seating. If leaving the office for a brisk 36-minute walk isn't possible, sitting ergonomically will at least relieve some of the skeletal strain.
