by 
John Huntington
Special to the Nugget
Recent studies by a NASA scientist confirm we are designed to move regularly through our day, and that “Continuous Non-Exercise Movement” is an important foundation for health and fitness.
Dr. Vernikos’ studies show that prolonged sitting results in detrimental metabolic changes that are similar to those found in astronauts in extended weightless flights. The poor health effects of sitting were noted even in those that exercised 20 minutes a day, 3 to 4 days a week.
The most important tool to fighting the effects of sitting is regularly countering gravity throughout the day. It turns out standing up 32 times per day is much more beneficial than sitting up and down 32 times at a single setting. And it is not just standing, it is the change of position, the act of standing, that is key.
You can set a timer on the computer, or note when commercials come on, to remind you to stand-up, maybe do some light knee bends, and easily break-up these common seated activities. This one simple act has profound health effects.
And how could it not? It is how humans have lived always, actively engaged in growing food and building shelter and maintaining the same.
Or playing – running, jumping, skipping, and climbing are all fun really due to the feel of gravity we push back against. Some of the best rehab exercises I share in the clinic are “Farmer” carries or sport/play movements of various sorts – actions we can add back to our lives on a gradual and careful basis for increased strength and ability.
It is nice to recognize that all those things we need to do, like bending to pick up a magazine on the floor, reaching into the cupboard, walking the dog, cooking, taking the trash out, gardening – turns out to be vital and powerful exercise if it is spread out through the day. (Maybe it’s a good thing we always lose the remote.)
Cleaning up that part of the yard you have been waiting to get to, or starting a flower bed or garden spot, if done at a good pace and posture will benefit your body and satisfy your heart and head way more than a treadmill walk ever will.
We may be programmed in our DNA to not waste energy, so it is fun to get fitter doing what needs to be done any way.
Dr. Huntington practices Chiropractic, Biomedical Acupuncture and Physiotherapy in Oracle, Az. 520-896-9844 huntingtonchiro@hotmail.com.
John Huntington is a local business owner in Oracle. He is a chiropractor with many years in the community. He writes a health related article in Pinal Nugget.
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