You might want to stand up while you read this.
We are Homo Sapien Sapien. Anatomically Modern Human (AMH) or Anatomically Modern Homo Sapiens. We used to Hunt, Adapt and Move. We didn’t have chairs. We hardly sat. Now we are technologically modern Homo Sapiens. We rely on technology while it destroys us. I’ll tell you how.
Recently, I came across a post all about standing and why health experts are re-enforcing the fact. All over the world, and especially in United States, there has been a recent turn around with the advent of the new ergonomic system. People are reverting back to the Homo Sapien Sapien mode.The Standing mode. Why?
Sitting. I am sitting while I write this. Most of us sit most of the time. Researchers have found >10 hours spent at work are sitting. After a long day at work, we want to rest and watch Television while at home. We sit. Kids play all day. Not on the Playgrounds but on the chair. They play video games. They sit.
The Sitting Mode or The Killer Mode? You decide.
- Low energy Expenditure resulting in Slower Metabolism and Obesity.
When we sit for prolonged periods of time,the activity of LPL (Lipo Protein Lipase), which works as a gatekeeper for energy transport to metabolic active tissues, Is affected. This predisposes the average sedentary person to become metabolically Unfit. Being Metabolically Unfit means lower fat clearance due to decreased muscular contractions and Resultant Obesity.
About your neck, Sitting for prolonged periods forces you into a forward head position. According to Renee Calliet, M.D., if the head weighs 10lbs and the center of the ear sits directly over the center of the shoulder, the load on the spine and its tissue is only 10lbs. However, if the head is translated forward, it’s weight will increase by 10lbs for every inch forward it is. In effect, if the center of the ear is three inches forward from the center of the center of the shoulders, the weight of the head on the spine and its discs, joints and nerves is 30lbs.! Now you know why you have that neck pain. It has been found that sitting increases the Intra-discal Pressure in your spine due to spinal flexion. This can lead to disc degeneration and rupture causing low back pain. You would argue how about upright sitting. It is definitely better than slouching but still has higher pressures as compared to standing. Want to turn your stand mode on? Go ahead.
- Diabetes, Cancer and Heart Disease.
A Prospective Research Study directly associates increased risk of cardiovascular disorders by 64% after >23 hours/week of sedentary behaviour. Low Physical Activity Populations have an increased incidence of developing cancer especially women. Sitting decreases energy expenditure and promoted energy consumption. It also reduces the body’s capacity for sugar uptake and utilization where it is needed causing Type 2 Diabetes.
Are you Standing up yet?
According to Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Ph.D.:
“Even within physically active individuals, there was a strong association between sitting and risk of mortality… This is an important observation because it suggests that high amounts of sitting cannot be compensated for with occasional leisure time physical activity even if the amount exceeds the current minimum physical activity recommendations.” Adapted from the Business Insider.
So Stand and Kill the Medical Bill
So Stand to be fit and not ill.
So Stand because I know you care.
Stand so that your body doesn’t tear.
Keep Standing and stay posted for my next post. Hours to stand good enough?