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Leading a sedentary lifestyle, we are unfortunately exposed to many diseases and illnesses related to the type of work we do or ways to relax (e.g. watching TV in a sitting position). According to research, up to 70% of of people working in Poland do their work sitting, and this only increases the number of people who can get sick.
Consequences of a sedentary lifestyle
- Weakness in the muscles of the whole body
- Weakness of the ligaments
- Keeping the spine in an incorrect position for a long time, hence: back pain
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Pain in muscles and joints
Obesity and overweight
One of the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle is also gaining weight, usually uncontrollably. Overweight, obese or morbidly obese people tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle, both because of work and by choice – at home. Fat tissue is deposited in larger amounts and sometimes unevenly. Hence also women’s problems – cellulite, or when gaining more kilos – stretch marks.
Other diseases – what can happen?
A sedentary lifestyle can also lead to more developed diseases, such as all kinds of herniated discs. It is also the cause of sciatica or painful compression of the nerve roots. Very often, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle for a long time develop lumbago, i.e. acute, chronic pain in the lumbar region of the back. It is found very often, from about 60-80 percent. of the population complain of this type of pain at least once in their lifetime.
How to change it?
Although most of us work “seated”, in free time, in time that is not reserved for work, we can do something for our body and organism. This “something” is physical effort, physical activity, in a word – sport. The degenerations or ailments described above are also strictly related to the lack of exercise, not practicing any sport. So it’s worth finding a sporting hobby, or even devoting an hour to walking your dog every day. This will certainly help in inhibiting further changes.
Lead a healthy lifestyle!
- Instead of taking the bus to work, it is better to go on foot, even for a longer distance. This will have a great effect on both our body and mind – an oxygenated brain will be an organ more needed at work than tired and “earned”
- At least 2-3 times a week, let’s practice a selected sport, it can be a bicycle, fitness, dance class or other physical effort
- Weekends are better spent outdoors, on the road, walking a lot and exercising your stagnant muscles and joints throughout the week