Many of us have jobs that require us to sit for long periods of time each day. But a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that 30 minutes of daily exercise isn’t enough to overcome the health risks of sitting too much. Researchers collected data from 130,000 adults in the UK, US and Sweden. The adults wore physical activity monitors, like Fitbits, to measure their movement and sitting times throughout the day. As you might expect, 30 minutes of daily exercise decreased the risk of early death by up to 80 percent, but only for people who sat for less than seven hours a day. It didn’t have that effect for those who spent between 11 and 12 hours a day sitting. For those who spent that much time sitting at work or at home, they needed 30 minutes of daily exercise plus four to five hours of light movement, like shopping or yard work. The study shows that a healthy and active lifestyle requires more than exercising for 30 minutes each day.
Books
That’s Gotta Hurt
The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
Get the BookWant more information on this injury?
Get more like this delivered to your inbox! Sign up now!