What is Sitting Disease?
Americans sit an average of 7.7 hours a day at work, school, home. or in cars and transit.
Studies in the field of Inactivity Physiology (IP) show that sitting for more than two hours initiates processses of muscle atrophy, and affects vital metabolic functions, including: raising blood pressure and blood sugars; slowing circulation; and raising levels of
LDL “bad” cholesterol.
IP research indicates that too much sitting and inactivity has caused a metabolic disease pandemic that includes: heart disease, obesity, “belly fat”, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, deep vein thrombosis and high LDL cholesterol.
“Sitting Disease” and “Metabolic Disorder” are the names that researchers have given to these clusters of metabolic illnesses caused by our sedentary, inactive lifestyles.
Surprising IP research by Mayo Clinic’s Dr James Levine, and MU of Houston’s Dr Marc Hamilton and others indicates that no matter how fit we are, and regardless of how much we exercise every day – the negative metabolic effects of hours of sitting are not offset by vigorous workouts.
To get more information on Sitting Disease and Inactivity Physiology, download the following articles and fliers:
Our bodies were designed in Paleo times for continual, low-intensity muscle movement – especially the stabilizer muscles.
Our bodies were designed in Paleo times for continual, low-intensity muscle movement – especially the stabilizer muscles.
Research by gravity expert Dr. Joan Vernikos, former Director of NASA’s Life Sciences Division, expands upon IP research.
In her groundbreaking book “Sitting Kills Moving Heals“, Dr Vernikos adds the often overlooked dimension of gravity to her recommendations for getting in shape and preventing Sitting Disease:
“… key features are low-intensity, frequent, alternating movements that use gravity to load the body, targeting the stabilizer postural muscles and providing a sense of direction for balance and coordination.” p 38 “Sitting Kills Moving Heals”
The good news? Research by Vernikos, Levine and Hamilton shows that Sitting Disease can be prevented by simple lifestyle and daily activity changes that do not require us to become Olympic athletes.
Studies indicate that healthy metabolic function is based in moving our bodies and engaging our muscles in Low Intensity Physical Activity (LIPA) throughout the day, such as standing up frequently at our desks, walking more, stretching and learning to use our stabilizer posture muscles.
LIPA provides long duration muscle activity that boosts metabolism, including HDL “good cholesterol” production.
Mindful Moves mind/body practices are a form of LIPA that help to restore our original Paleo posture and muscular-skeletal body mechanics.
Mindful Moves are based in Alexander Technique (AT) evidence-based methods for improved posture, body mechanics and breathing used by Integrative Medicine providers such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins.
Mindful Moves provides easy, self-directed LIPA practices to use while sitting or using a standing workstation.
These practices boost metabolism and help prevent Sitting Disease by strengthening the stabilizer postural muscles, and improving posture, body mechanics and breathing.
Mindful Moves:
• Improve posture, body mechanics and core strength for sitting, using
standing workstations and other activities
• Boost metabolism with Low-Intensity Physical Activity (LIPA)
• Reduce stress, pain, muscle tension and fatigue
• Provide unique methods for whole-body muscle toning
• Improve breathing and circulation
• Enhance performance and build mindful awareness
• Classes & lessons for all ages and abilities
• Taught at work, school, home or in studio
Note: The Alexander Technique, Mindful Alexander Technique (MAT) and Mindful Moves are wellness practices, not medicine or treatment. No portion of this website may be copied or used without permission.