I wanted to talk about movement at your desk, and why it is so important.  

I will start by talking about the scary statistics surrounding the effects of being seated for long periods of time (to put it all into context). The fact is that physical inactivity is the 4th largest cause of death and disability in the UK. What a number! In fact, it is being suggested that sitting is the new smoking! I would even add that this has got increasingly worse over the last two years, since the arrival of the pandemic.  

It has been so easy to stay seated for a lot longer than you ever would have done before. Your office was your kitchen or study space. Not too far to go to get there! Also, because we had nothing else to do during lockdown, many of us worked longer hours than we would normally in a week – and even over the weekend – just for something to do! Who has found this was the case?  

So, I ask the question, are we sitting more than ever before now? I am guilty of this myself at times, but I do have a very active job so thankfully, unless it is an admin day, I am not at my desk for long periods of time.  

Now, here are the facts! Just being seated for a long time can lead to 112% increase in diabetes, 147% increase in cardiovascular problems and a 49% increase in mortality. It can also lead to back, neck and leg pain, low mood, sleep issues, premature ageing, blood clots and more. The list seems endless.

‘I walk every day for 90 minutes’ or ‘I go to the gym and walk the dog regularly’, I hear you say. This is all great, it really is, and you are doing wonders for your body and overall wellbeing. HOWEVER, unfortunately this does not give you the green light to then sit for nine hours a day with only the occasional toilet or coffee break. Sadly, those statistics and risks will still apply to you.

So, what can you do to prevent all this and keep yourself well?

The answer is still, always will be – MOVEMENT. If you cannot exercise at your desk and you are in back-to-back meetings, here are a few things you can do.  

 My 5 TOP TIPS to keep mobile at your desk.

  1. Stand up every 30 minutes to realign your spine. 
  2.  If you can walk around when you are on the phone, do so.
  3.  Stand up in a meeting if it is online, and stack boxes up so your laptop can sit on top for eye level contact. If you are in a position to do so, then getting a standing desk is definitely a good investment.
  4.  Have a fit ball that you can sit on. This will keep you constantly moving and not in one fixed position. 
  5.  Use a timer to tell you to stand up every 30 minutes.  

The whole point is that you need to keep shifting your body, and not keep it in a fixed position for long periods of time. If we can do something to preserve our health better and prevent any health issues, shouldn’t we be doing it?

Does this resonate with you? If you need more of a helping hand, then my Daily Energise desk-based exercise programme can definitely help. It will give you the inspiration and motivation to make movement a part of your working day.

Please do get in touch. I am happy to have a chat with you and see how I can help. To find out more contact us on the HLP-U website . Alternatively, you can email me at:  kksaggu@1ststeprfs.com or call 07846 597460.