Read This Standing Up

While you’ve all heard by now sitting is the new smoking, I hope this post helps you better understand the long-term and devastating effects of sitting. I’m often amazed at how hard many people work at the gym in the morning before work, then sit all day long.

Imagine three people: one sits all day long (14 hours) crashing on a huge project with time for only bathroom breaks; another sits all day (14 hours) yet takes an hour to pedal a stationary bike in the company gym downstairs; and, last, someone who works seated for those 14 hours yet accumulates 6 hours standing or strolling at a metered pace.

Do you think there’s any difference in the effects on their long-term health?

YEP.

The latest study from the University of Maastricht is alarming. The negative metabolic, heart health, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels changed markedly more for the person who worked for four days for 14 hours straight. Just four days…

The insulin and cholesterol levels for the person who exercised lightly for one hour of the 14 were better than the person who sat all day. Yet, sadly, the heart health was the same as the person who sat uninterrupted (except bathroom trips) all day.

The person who stood or strolled fared markedly better than the other two cases in terms of heart health indicators, metabolic profile, and their muscle tone. Standing causes the recruitment of more muscle contractions throughout the day and busy muscles burn blood sugar for fuel keeping insulin levels steady. Contracting muscles also release chemicals that can reduce bad cholesterol.

For those of you who spend much of your days driving, driving is sitting. Take breaks. When you go to the store, park far away from the entrance. When you pick up your kids from school, park further away. When you must be in the car for more than an hour at a time, stop for a 2-5 minute break. When you brush your teeth, stand on one leg. When you see a park playground, go play!

So, there you go, again. Moving is always better. Always…

• About the author
• The latest from Adrien
• About the studio

Adrien Cotton

Owner + Founder | Alexandria Wellness

http://alexandriawellness.com

contact@alexandriawellness.com

Adrien founded Fitness on the Run in 2004 out of her home after a successful career in policy and public affairs communications. After spending 15 years developing her own personal definition of wellness and watching thousands struggle with theirs, in January 2019 Adrien founded Alexandria Wellness, the home for the Concierge Wellness Program and Corporate Wellness with Adrien Cotton. Over the course of 15 years, “FOR” was home to more than 2,000 clients, 30 instructors, and hundreds of inspirational success stories. Adrien is now, more-than-ever, passionate about helping women view their fitness as a journey, not a quick fix. Adrien’s recipe for success herself has evolved from a rigid training plan of sweaty and heart pumping workouts to some days getting in her 10,000 steps, consciously breathing, her 7.5 hours of sleep, and her beloved 5-Minute Flow. Adrien believes the most important ingredient is making small changes for big results, even if it’s one new habit formed each month. Still passionate about fitness, Adrien’s clients appreciate her ability to make sessions seriously challenging without a “beat down,” a healthy mix of strength and metabolic (cardio) work and ultimately helping her clients gain real strength in mind and body. She believes we all benefit from being curious about our bodies and that change, or improvement, is within reach despite what your “inner voice” or others may tell you. Adrien is bubbling with excitement to help women learn the importance of a comprehensive approach to wellness, weight loss, and contentedness with yourself, and that every person has the right to feel good about themselves. Most days, you can find her helping clients with their wellness, listening to success stories, and bragging about her twin 13-year-old children and “fittest man in Alexandria” Bill Cotton. Adrien prides herself on her practice of mindfulness, meditation, and putting it all into perspective.

• 

  Eat These 5 Foods To Lower Your Anxiety

  By Adrien Cotton

  06.21.21
• 

  5 Tips To Achieve Your Fitness Goals

  By Adrien Cotton

  06.16.21
• 

  The Most Ignored Part Of Your Body… That Is Killing Your Fitness

  By Adrien Cotton

  06.09.21

Alexandria Wellness offers achievable answers for anyone who is tired of chasing fitness and health without a clear plan, someone who has struggled and is not satisfied with their fitness and wellness or someone who is open to maximized healthful longevity and fitness along with healthful weight loss. Adrien and her team offer help with food guidance, body acceptance, sleep and stress issues, and insist you have fun along the way.

Schedule your free 30 minute consult here!

alexandriawellness.com

Alexandria Wellness
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703.299.9333

contact@alexandriawellness.com