In that flurry of blog posts that Arthur wrote in December 2014 was one called Get Up, Stand Up, where he links to a video about how sitting too much will probably kill you. I relate to this greatly.
In my job at FantaCo (1980-1988), I stood at the counter, stood at the table where I did mail order, even usually stood when I did the bookkeeping. But in my current job (1992-present), I sit a lot at a desk, at a computer. It explains not just my weight gain, but more specifically why my bad cholesterol (LDL) was too high, even when I am exercising.
Obesity has been associated with numerous chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, depression, and even certain cancers. Yet, there is so much misinformation in the media on weight loss from claims that everything from acai berries to costly supplements is the secret to obtaining a slim body. But truthfully, there is no quick fix for weight loss. Weight loss requires a very conscious effort to implement changes to ones’ habits and lifestyle. To get more tips, visit Mensjournal.com.
Ever since I saw one on TV a couple of years ago, I have coveted one of those treadmill desks. But that’s not going to happen. The suggestions from the video – getting up regularly, drinking plenty of water – are good ideas that I know intellectually but can stand the reminder.
Someone recently sent me this article about magnesium deficiency, and it set me to wondering. “Why AM I dehydrated and thirsty when I drink so much water?” Hmm.
Anyway, I gotta get up and dance to Arthur’s Bob Marley’s reggae groves.
I wonder if there’s a “too much” standing, though. Some days, I’m on my feet for four plus hours in the classroom (this fall, a couple days approached six hours). It frankly feels GOOD to sit for a little while after an hour or two on one’s feet, and I’d be annoyed if my university forced us all into standing desks or treadmill desks.
I’d probably be a bigger fan of extended standing if so much of it weren’t on floors that were a thin layer of tile over poured concrete….
(And anyway. I prefer walking to standing. I probably pace more in the classroom than is ideal for instructional purposes but standing still makes my hips hurt)
Oh, walking is SO much better than standing. Standing kills my left knee.
My day job involves a lot of “on the feet” time, so I don’t feel entirely guilty about my “sitting to write” time at home. I would like some kind of actual standing desk, though. I should make one sometime….