Take More than a Stand for Fitness in 2019
In recent years, numerous studies have shown the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles. Americans work an average of 47 hours per week, with most of those hours sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen. Then we go home and sit on the couch watching TV or streaming services before lying down in our bed for sleep.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center tracked the activity of 8,000 workers and found that the average period of inactivity during their waking days was 12.3 hours. Employees who were sedentary for more than 13 hours each day were twice as likely to die prematurely compared to those who were inactive for 11.5 hours each day.[1]
A separate study of middle-aged men and women by researchers at University College in London found a correlation between working long hours and cardiovascular problems which increase chances of a stroke.[2]
Combine long work schedules with family responsibilities, poor diet, and stress and it’s no wonder health is such a significant concern in the modern world.
For the past few years, the answer seemed simple; stop sitting! So standing desks became the rage.
But recent studies have shown that standing for long periods of time isn’t a healthier option. According to Alan Hedge, a professor at Cornell University, “If what you’re doing is replacing sitting with standing, you’re not actually doing your body any favors,” he says. “In fact, you’re introducing a whole variety of new risk factors.”[3]
If your plan to get healthy in the workplace is a variable height desk, it’s just not enough. While standing is great for posture and can create more a productive workplace for many, it’s not going to help you avoid the negative consequences of inactivity.
What should you be doing to avoid heart issues, strokes, and premature death? Get active.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends at least two and a half hours of aerobic activity each week. This includes activities such as ballroom dancing, biking, and water aerobics, none of which are very convenient for work.
Honestly though, who has two and a half hours for exercise each week? We’re working 47 hours a week, caring for children (and spouses who act like children), fixing dinner, transporting said children to various clubs and hobbies, bingeing Netflix… We have gym memberships we never use because there isn’t enough time in the day.
That’s exactly why we developed our line of FitDesk products. If you’re going to spend the equivalent of two entire days at work each week, you should at least use that time wisely.
FitDesk’s Bike Desks are adjustable, easy to collapse and hide, and have space for you to get fit while you get work done. The Under-Desk Cycles and Ellipticals work with existing desks and make getting in activity easy and affordable.
Your time is valuable, but so is your health! Start maximizing your time and take control of your health by incorporating physical activity into your schedule, without compromising your work productivity.
Order your FitDesk now and we’ll ship it right to your office for free!
Take control of your health in 2019!
[1] http://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2653704/patterns-sedentary-behavior-mortality-u-s-middle-aged-older-adults
[2] https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-articles
[3] https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2017-12-04/is-your-standing-desk-doing-more-harm-than-good
