Beyond Sitting: The Benefits of Incorporating More Movement into Your Daily Routine for Better Health

Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, has emphasized the importance of standing and moving more throughout the day to improve health. Rosenberg’s research team conducted a clinical trial involving older adults and found that reducing daily sitting time by about 30 minutes resulted in better blood pressure measurements, which could lower health risks.

To help people decrease their sitting time, Rosenberg offers tips such as standing during activities that are typically done sitting, setting up a standing desk, and incorporating standing into daily habits like talking on the phone or watching TV. Incorporating small bits of standing and walking throughout the day can also contribute to reducing overall sitting time and improving health.

Research has shown that too much sitting can be associated with an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Changing TV habits by standing, stretching or doing household chores while watching TV can also help decrease sitting time. By making these simple changes to incorporate more standing and movement into daily routines, individuals can have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being.