Have you heard the phrase: “The sofa is the new cigarette”? What does it mean with this? Continue reading to understand once and for all the risks of physical inactivity to your life. In an increasingly connected society, most daily activities are performed in front of the screens. Put […]
Have you heard the phrase: “The sofa is the new cigarette”? What does it mean with this? Continue reading to understand once and for all the risks of physical inactivity to your life.
In an increasingly connected society, most daily activities are performed in front of the screens. Therefore, the past time has become a growing concern in the field of public health. The comparison is provocative, but reveals the seriousness of the situation: sedentary behavior
It can be the new cigarette.
“The sofa is the new cigarette”
The statement is not an exaggeration. Recent studies show that even people who exercise regularly can have high health risks if they spend many hours of the day sit. This is because physical inactivity does not only concern the absence of structured physical activity, such as training in the gym or daily walks. But it implies the total time that the body remains at rest with a minimum energy expenditure, such as when you have sitted or led for long periods.
We have to move
“This behavior is associated with the increase in the risk of various chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. What matters: the human body has not been done to remain firm.” Those who say that this is Marcio Atalla, Ambassador of RelaxMedic, professor of physical education with specialization in high -performance training, post -laurea in nutrition at USP.
The evolution of the species occurred by the constant movement. Our ancestors have traveled long distances, crouched, climbing, transported objects and have remained physically always active. Today, however, modern routine requires less and less movements and this has effects on direct health.
The research shows that after only one hour or two seated, the metabolism is already starting to slow down. Blood circulation becomes less efficient, the ability of the body to metabolize glucose is reduced and the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of fat reduce its activity. “In addition, prolonged posture can cause lumbar and cervical pain. And breathing tends to become more superficial, compromising the oxygenation of the body,” says Atalla.
How to get out of physical inactivity
Given this scenario, simple but effective strategies can “break” the sedentary lifestyle during the day. The main orientation consists in the interruption of prolonged periods of inactivity with small doses of movement. “Get up every 30 or 60 minutes, even for only one or two minutes, already helps to reactivate the circulation and improve the functioning of the metabolism. On the workplace, practical measures that can make the difference include walking towards the colleague instead of sending a message, holding or walking meetings and using adjustable tables,” says the expert.
Atalla underlines that at home it is possible to adopt similar habits: get up between standard episodes, stretch, exploit domestic activities and even change the time of the screen. Attracts attention to the use of intelligent applications and watches that warn of prolonged periods of inactivity can also be an important ally, as well as electrostimulating to strengthen muscles, reactivate circulation and also relieve stress.
Abandoning physical inactivity goes beyond training
Structured physical exercise remains essential for the maintenance of health and disease prevention. However, science has shown that the way we behave outside the moment of training is equally important. “The central idea is to understand that the movement should be present during the day, not only for an hour in the gym. Small active breaks can significantly reduce the risks associated with sedentary behavior,” says Marcio Atalla, ambassador Relaxic.
“Just as smoking was, for decades, a socially accepted habit before being widely recognized as a harmful and silent sedentary lifestyle can be one of the greatest enemies of contemporary health. The difference is that, in this case, the solution does not imply stop an addiction, but taking up what has always been natural for the human being: the movement” concludes Atalla
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
