The Exercise Science program at the University of New Mexico has something in store for people who want to need and want to stay active. Students came up with the "Don't Sit, Get Fit" program for people to have access to a fitness plan that caters to all aspects of their lives.
According to a study, the Average American spends about 9 to 10 hours of their day sitting. That's alarming, considering the fact that experts claim that sitting is bad for your health, even if you have an active lifestyle or exercise five days a week. Most people can claim that sitting is part of their day, from sitting at their workstations, watching TV like a true blue couch potato, or driving long distances. It's still important, however, to watch your sitting habits.
Not moving actively can slow down metabolism, which can affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat. This lifestyle can lead to obesity, type 2- diabetes, some types of cancer and premature death.
The "Don't Sit, Get Fit," provides tips on how we can get moving and incorporate physical activity into daily routine at work, school or at home. The program doesn't call for extreme changes, just simple modications to your lifestyle, encouraging people to become more active such as standing up every 30-minute intervals, or simply foregoing the elevator and use the stairs instead.
UNM reports that professor Len Kravitz, the program coordinator of Exercise Science and a researcher at UNM, wrote three different articles regarding the value of being active and how it improves the quality of life. He has won many fitness awards including "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" and the 2009 Canadian Fitness Professional "Specialty Presenter of the Year" award. He explains how small changes can address the widespread obesity and how sitting for long periods of time can affect you.
"Being physically active throughout your daily life is one of the greatest health benefits a person can do every day," Kravitz said. "Start today."
For ways that you can become more active, visit Don't Sit, Get Fit.
