Whether tending to crops or hunting our next meal, we humans have lived on our feet from yr 0. Unfortunately as a modern society, we are tending to move less and less and as a result, we are getting sicker and sicker. With the advent of the desk-job, smartphone, TV and computer, we are sitting more than ever before in human history. It is estimated that we are now sitting more than 9.3 hours per day, which is even more time than we spend sleeping (7.7 hours).
Our bodies weren’t built for this and its taking a toll :
• Sitting 6 or more hours per day makes you up to 40% likelier to die within 15 years than someone who sits less than 3 hours per day.
• Biomarkers 1991: These biomarkers include muscle mass, strength, basal metabolic rate (how many calories you use at rest), aerobic capacity, blood pressure, insulin, HDL/TC, bone density, and ability to control your body temperature (remember elderly people are much more likely to suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion).
Movement:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Controls weight
- Strengthens the heart and lungs
- Lowers cholesterol
- Improves memory
- Reduces falls
- Relieves pain
- Enhances immune system
- Improves bone density
- Improves sleep
- Reduces stress
- Improves constipation
- Slows the aging process
- Improves sex
It doesn’t matter what you do for movement/exercise. Make it fun! Walking, tennis, yoga, Pilates, interval training, Zumba, bicycling, volleyball, martial arts – it all counts as something cardiovascular and something that improves strength.
Get clearance from your doctor and work with a trainer if you’re just starting something new or recovering from an injury.
Move & Be Well!
Dr. C. Evers Whyte, MS, DC, DACBN
(203) 708-929
