3 Sitting Myths & 13 Alternatives Everyone Should Know

Myth: An ergonomic chair will change everything.
Truth: It’s the sitting, not the chair.

Myth: Exercising before and after work counteracts the effects of sitting all day.
Truth: Sitting is an independent risk factor for heart disease (according to Peter Katzmarzyk, a lead researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center).

Myth: Sit up straight (like your mother told you).
Truth: Sitting at a semi-recline 135 degree angle is best for you.

I can give you the facts, straighten out the myths, but if you don’t act, NOTHING WILL CHANGE.

5 STEPS FOR LASTING CHANGE

1. Read (or reread) yesterday’s article 5 Little Known Facts About Sitting That Could Kill You.
2. Write down or type the points that stand out to you… that will move you to act.
3. Print them out and post them in plain view… on your computer, in front of it, somewhere obvious.
4. Set a reminder or alarm on your calendar at the beginning of every workday to remind you to read the list.
5. When you see the alarm, read the list, and decide what you’re going to do that day to make a change.

ALTERNATIVES TO SITTING

1. Get a pre-made standing desk. (Web designer Nick Haskins found his at Ikea.)
2. Make your own standing desk. (Photographer Gary Chapman made his out of plastic milk crates.)
3. Set up a treadmill running desk. (Perfect use for that treadmill sitting unused in your garage!)
4. Replace your chair with a stability ball. (Side effect: works your core and back muscles.)
5. Do your work at Starbucks, Barnes & Noble or other location with tall tables.

HOW TO GET ACTIVE DURING THE WORKDAY

1. While standing, bounce up and down on your toes.
2. Do calf raises.
3. Point and flex your toes (ballerina style) to the front, side and back.
4. Periodically raise your arms above your head and stretch to the ceiling.
5. Take an hourly break to rebound on a trampoline for 5 minutes.
6. Use a small cup for water, tea, or coffee and refill it every time it’s empty.
7. If you work at home, give yourself a small house cleaning task every hour.
8. Stand during phone calls or when watching videos.

Have other ideas or strategies that have worked for you? Let me know in the comments!