6 hidden dangers of sitting

Everyone knows that sitting too much isn't good for you. You might think, "I need to move more." But why? And is it enough to start moving if you've spent a lot of time sitting in the past? Let's deep dive and find out.

What does sitting too much do to you? It's important to know the cause and effect. 

What is the problem:

• you might not realize how sitting affects you 

• research indicates that you might not accurately realize how much time you spend sitting

• you might only see extreme solutions that you're not ready for, so you end up doing nothing

We've talked before about how sitting affects your upper back. But that's not all.

Sitting too much can lead to these problems:

• your hamstrings could get shorter

• your iliac and psoas muscles might shorten

• your rectus femoris and tendons in your upper thigh could shorten too

• you might lose muscle tone in your front stomach muscles

Research indicates - this can make your pelvis tilt forward and your spine curve too much (this is called increased lordosis).

What problems can too much spinal curve cause?

1. Spinal stress: it can put extra stress on your lower back, leading to wear and tear or even injuries.

2. Nerve compression: it might squeeze your nerves, causing pain, tingling, or weakness in your legs.

3. Muscle imbalance and pain: it might cause your back muscles to be out of balance, putting a lot of strain on your lower back and causing ongoing pain. Your stomach muscles might also get weaker, making the problem even worse.

4. Altered biomechanics: it could change how you walk or stand, increasing your risk of falling or getting hurt, particularly in older adults.

5. Impact on organ function: it might even mess with how your internal organs work, affecting digestion or breathing.

6. Aesthetic concerns:  it can make you feel bad about how you look.

So, what's the solution? 

Just moving more won't fix the muscle shortening. Scientific research has shown the effectiveness of stretching. You just need to stretch them. Even if you sit a lot, making a habit of stretching regularly can help. Just 5-10 minutes a day of the right stretches can really make a difference.

But before you start stretching, talk to a professional to make sure you're choosing safe exercises for you.

Article scientific sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Warm regards,
Kos

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