The Awful Truth About Sitting

Eight hectic hours at the office, a quick happy hour with colleagues, and then a long evening on the couch to catch up on your favorite television shows. Sound familiar?

It's no secret that incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is an important step toward a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that it's also a requirement for living longer? New research shows us that a lack of exercise may actually be worse for your health than being overweight. Long hours of sitting, such as working a desk job at the office, has been noted as one of the most detrimental things you can do to your body.

Whether or not you already live an active lifestyle, it's important to break up long periods of sitting.

Here are some of our favorite ways to get up and move during the day:

• Look for workout options you can do anywhere. Maybe your office building didn't come equipped with a full gym. Or maybe your job doesn't allow for a 45-minute jog at lunch. Instead, look for workout options you can do around the office. Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland developed a hotel room workout that could also work in the break room.
• Give up part of your lunch to walk. There are 30 to 60 minutes of your workday dedicated to you - the lunch hour. Instead of eating lunch at your desk, spend 15 minutes going for a walk outside or doing laps through the office building.
• Take the long way there. Trips to the bathroom, break room or café around the corner are the perfect excuse to stay on your feet longer. Find a new route to get there. Opt for the bathroom farthest from your desk or on a different floor. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Think of your feet during phone calls or meetings. Use these moments throughout your day as an excuse to stand up. Take phone calls in a conference room where you can stand or pace. Elect to turn a meeting with colleagues into a walking meeting outside — studies show it actually increases your productivity.