Ready to Take a Stand?

We know standing out at work is good for our career. Turns out, standing up has its merits too – like better health.

Those who sit for six or more hours a day are 54 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack, despite having healthy eating and exercise habits.

That’s according to a recent report in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal. What gives?

“Our muscles are not being stimulated – there is less oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange” when we sit over a long time, explains Dr. Tanya Douglas-Holland.

“Over time, this could lead to metabolic changes in the body which can cause poor health.”

Even more troubling: only 5 percent of Americans get half an hour of exercise a day during the week, according to the CDC.

Ready to get a move on at work? You can invest in a standup desk ($307) – a regular desk raised a few extra feet. The TrekDesk ($479) fits around a treadmill, so you can walk while typing emails, writing proposals and getting the job done.

If those options aren’t in your budget, adjusting your habits might be a better solution. Holland suggests brisk walk breaks – just 10 to 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon.

Parking farther away in the parking lot and frequent stretching – like trying to touch your toes for 20 seconds – can help break your sedentary cycle.

Set and reach goals with a pedometer that tracks your steps.

Plus, Second Act lists six ways to stay active at work, like keeping resistance bands in your desk drawer and setting a low computer alarm to remind you to do a lap around the office.

Bonus PINK Link: Get in shape at your desk with the workaholic’s workout.

By Farren Davis

“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.” Carol Welch