The recent pandemic has us all glued to our chairs working from home, and a new study has found that 30 to 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise could counteract a full day of sitting.
In the Annals of Internal Medicine study back in 2017, researchers found a direct correlation between excessive sedentary time and early death.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, we risk being more inactive as binge eating and statutory behaviours take over.
However, a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shared that a short amount of exercise every day can offset the harmful effects of sitting all day.
“Those with low physical activity had a higher risk of premature death, with the greatest risk of death occurring in those with the highest sedentary time,” the authors concluded.
Even by just standing, researchers have noted that it helps to some degree.
This aligns with recommendations from the American Heart Association and other health organisations that advises individuals to perform a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobics a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activities, or even a mixture of both.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity a week.
“For many of us, the pandemic work-from-home reality has meant more time than ever sitting immobile staring at the computer, and less motivation to get up and move,
“Unfortunately, the more sedentary your lifestyle, the higher risk you have of premature death from heart disease and other conditions,” said Sarah Samaan, a cardiologist in Texas.
She shared how just simply moving about helps; brisk walking, biking or even gardening could be done in the comfort and safety of your homes. - Agencies, 20 July, 2021
