Physiology of sitting: how to improve health and fitness

"Prolonged sitting should be considered within occupational health and safety policies and practices just like other elements of posture.” ~ British Journal of Sports Medicine

Learn how to avoid a potentially lethal disease by following simple steps. The sitting disease, which is linked to long periods of sitting while working, is becoming a health concern for many people. See how I address this problem with two easy steps without affecting productivity or using expensive equipment.

Inactivity physiology is a relatively new branch of the science of physiology. I believe any person who uses a computer for work or has to sit at a desk for extended periods of time should have a basic understanding of this new scientific field.

Start implementing your own intervention to make sure you feel energized and less stiff while working and ensure optimal health for the future.

- Sitting disease basics.

- Surprisingly simple prevention principles.

- Easy steps to apply interventions.

- Possible obstacles.

Start working in a way that does not endanger your health.

Learn what all the hype around the “sitting disease” is about and find out what you can do about it. If you have to sit while working for more than two to three hours at a time (for example, working on a computer), you may be at risk of developing some of the health problems associated with the “sitting disease”. Problems such as; an increasing waistline, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer and depression have been linked to long periods of sitting.

Applying interventions against the “sitting disease” can help you to lower your risk of developing these problems, as well as help you to feel better while you work. Instead of feeling stiff and experiencing back pain after working – you can feel revitalized and energized.

Content and Overview

This course is an introduction to the sitting disease and possible interventions against the sitting disease. Learn what the sitting disease is and how to approach successful interventions. Factors that can have an impact on the success of these interventions are also discussed. The applications described in the course are especially useful for any person who is required to sit for more than two to three hours at a time while working, and who have not yet applied successful interventions. For example, if you are a software developer who works on a computer for extended periods at a time.

By the end of the course you should be able to start planning your own interventions with confidence. Although I cannot advise you about any specific interventions you may want to do in your own working situation, I can help with guidance and ideas.

This course does NOT provide exercises (such resources are not difficult to find), but instead the aim is to explain the principles behind possible interventions and to help you to plan changes to how you work.

Always be safe and cautious when changing your physical activity and it is recommended you consult with your health care provider. I do not provide medical or therapeutic services – my aim is to raise awareness about the sitting disease and to bring about change to current mainstream workplace environments and approaches.

Although the interventions suggested in the course may not be practical in all working situations, the basic principles behind the interventions can be creatively applied and adapted to various different working environments.

By changing a few simple things in your approach to your workspace, you could easily change your work environment from a potentially harmful environment, to one that is enjoyable and healthy!