Standing vs. Sitting: What’s Better for Heart Health
Standing All Day Won’t Save Your Heart: Experts Weigh In
While prolonged sitting is linked to heart disease, simply standing for hours isn’t teh solution, experts say.
Many Americans spend the majority of their day seated, leading to concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. While standing desks have gained popularity as a potential solution, new research suggests that simply standing for extended periods may not be enough to protect your heart.
“Standing does activate certain muscle groups, including those in the legs, hips, and back, which is beneficial in general,” explains Professor Chong tze Tec, Head and Senior consultant at the Department of Vascular Surgery at Singapore General Hospital.
Though, standing alone doesn’t engage the same muscle groups used in walking or exercise.
“Standing doesn’t lead to the beneficial metabolic changes that contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease,” Professor Chong clarifies. “simply standing isn’t enough compared to walking or exercising.”
Movement is Key
This doesn’t mean standing is entirely useless. Assistant Professor Chong Jack Kian, Head and Senior Consultant at the Vascular and Endovascular Service at Sengkang General Hospital, emphasizes the importance of incorporating movement into your day.
“The goal should be to stand with movement,” he advises. “Activity is always encouraged. If that can’t be achieved through dedicated exercise,we should look for opportunities to do so throughout the workday.”
The Risks of Standing Too Long
While standing might potentially be better than sitting for extended periods, it’s critically importent to note that standing for too long can also have negative consequences. Prolonged standing can lead to circulation problems, including varicose veins. Varicose veins can cause symptoms like heavy, aching, itchy, and swollen legs.
Finding the Right Balance
the key takeaway is that a sedentary lifestyle, whether sitting or standing for prolonged periods, is detrimental to heart health. The best approach is to incorporate regular movement and exercise into your daily routine.
Standing All Day Won’t Save Your Heart: Experts Weigh In
While prolonged sitting is linked to heart disease, simply standing for hours isn’t the solution, experts say.
Many Americans spend the majority of their day seated, leading to concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. While standing desks have gained popularity as a potential solution, new research suggests that simply standing for extended periods may not be enough to protect your heart.
“Standing dose activate certain muscle groups, including those in the legs, hips, and back, which is beneficial in general,” explains Professor Chong Tze Tec, Head and Senior consultant at the Department of Vascular Surgery at Singapore general Hospital.
Though,standing alone doesn’t engage the same muscle groups used in walking or exercise.
“Standing doesn’t lead to the beneficial metabolic changes that contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease,” Professor Chong clarifies. “Simply standing isn’t enough compared to walking or exercising.”
Movement is Key
This doesn’t mean standing is entirely useless. Assistant Professor Chong jack Kian,Head and Senior Consultant at the Vascular and endovascular Service at Sengkang General Hospital,emphasizes the importance of incorporating movement into your day.
“The goal should be to stand with movement,” he advises. “Activity is always encouraged. If that can’t be achieved through dedicated exercise, we should look for opportunities to do so throughout the workday.”
The Risks of Standing Too Long
While standing might perhaps be better than sitting for extended periods, it’s critically important to note that standing for too long can also have negative consequences. Prolonged standing can lead to circulation problems, including varicose veins. Varicose veins can cause symptoms like heavy, aching, itchy, and swollen legs.
Finding the Right Balance
The key takeaway is that a sedentary lifestyle, whether sitting or standing for prolonged periods, is detrimental to heart health. The best approach is to incorporate regular movement and exercise into your daily routine.