The best way to counteract sedentary behaviors

If you sit all day, can you exercise after work and negate the effects of it? The American Heart Association says no, not entirely.

The average American engages in sedentary behavior for between 6 and 8 hours every day. Those over age 60 clock in at 8.5-9.5 hours. What is sedentary behavior? It’s sitting at a desk, driving, watching television, playing computer games, and so on. You get the picture, right?

While exercise is good, and you should continue it, moving consistently throughout the day is another key to promoting good cardiovascular health. If you want to avoid cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and early death, the AHA, whose study was published in Circulation, urges you to think about how to insert activity throughout your day in addition to that 60 minute sweat session at the gym.

Need some ideas? Run walking business meetings. Walk during your lunch break. Take the stairs whenever possible. Set a timer at your desk and get up after 60 minutes to move your body. You may notice that you experience a bonus from this activity: a clearer head and renewed energy when you get back to your work.