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Keep your eyes open for permanent sitting Is smoking new?

"Sit down" - a nice gesture, which is anything but friendly for the joints. Sitting does not do the body good. Not only does it start, it can also have negative effects on the cardiovascular system.

Long sitting at a desk often gets in the way of the circulation.
Photo: iStock // g-stockstudio

We sit around 14 hours a day! This means that we spend most of our time on chairs, car seats, sofas and armchairs - according to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. We sit at breakfast, in the train or in the car on the way to work, then many hours in the office and in the evening finally comfortable on the couch after the well-deserved closing time.

I am sitting, so I am

Who is attested to a lot of "Sitzfleisch", which is valid today as yesterday as persistent and diligent. And of course, there is something to it, because sitting is an important human ability. The stable position consumes less energy and you can concentrate more and longer. The significance of this ability is also evident in early childhood development: when the world can be observed seated, motor, cognitive and social development increases.

The body remembers everything

However, the fact is: we are simply sitting too often these days and, above all, far too long. Of course, this does not leave our health untouched, because after only four hours - usually at lunch break - the body has its first consequences. The risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes increases as a particular enzyme important to lipid metabolism ceases to function. Another consequence of the "Sitzmarathon" is a flatter breathing. Muscles can regress, even organs, joints and intervertebral discs are loaded incorrectly.

"Battered" joints

Only if the joints are regularly moved, but they can be supplied with important nutrients for cartilage and bone. During permanent sitting, the protective cartilage layer "starves". The surface becomes rough and the joint can no longer slide smoothly. The cartilage wears off more and more and the joint movement can not be cushioned. The most common problems are those of the joints, which are most stressed by body weight and sitting, such as knees and hips. The constant sitting also relaxes the muscular apparatus, which has important functions as a support corset for the knee and spine.

Fidgeting is good

Remedy actually only creates a lot of movement - and not only after permanent sitting, but also during the process: It is important to get up again and again in between, to plan small paths and, if possible, to work while standing. The variety counts! To compensate for involuntary sit-downs, we also recommend moderate sports such as swimming and cycling, which set the joints in motion but do not burden them too much.

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