Long periods of sitting just as bad as smoking, experts say
New 'Stand app' combats sitting, promotes better health
The science is in, and experts say sitting is just as bad as smoking.
It’s slowly killing us. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control find whether we’re sitting at home or at the office, we are significantly increasing our risk of heart conditions, diabetes, cancers and other health problems.
However, a new app is hoping to make us all a bit healthier with frequent reminders to get up.
It’s appropriately called the “Stand App.”
It provides alarmed reminders to take standing breaks from your desk. It also has 30 low to medium-intensity exercises you can do at work and tracks the calories you burn.
Unfortunately, Americans spend an excessive amount of time sitting – moving from the car, to the office chair, back to the car for the commute home and then to the couch – sometimes clocking a total of more than 9 hours in a sedentary position.
When you stand, your core muscles flex to keep you upright, relieving some pressure on the spine, causing your heart to pump harder and your body to burn more calories.
Experts recommend a minimum of one standing breaking every hour, but in general any movement whether you take the stairs or fidget in your chair is better than sitting motionless.
The “Stand App” is free and available in the Apple app store or Google Play store for Android users.
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