Health risks of an inactive lifestyle (2023)

What is an inactive lifestyle?

Being a couch potato. Do not train. A sedentary or inactive lifestyle. You've probably heard all these phrases before and they all mean the same thing: a sedentary lifestyle with little or no exercise.

In the United States and around the world, people are spending more and more time in sedentary occupations. In our free time, we often sit: while using a computer or other device, watching TV or playing video games. Many of our jobs have become more sedentary, with long hours behind a desk. And most of us move while sitting: in cars, buses and trains.

How does an inactive lifestyle affect your body?

If you have an inactive lifestyle:

• You burn less calories. This makes it more likely that you will gain weight.
• You may lose muscle strength and endurance because you don't use your muscles as much
• Your bones may become weak and lose some mineral content.
• Your metabolism may be affected and your body may have more trouble breaking down fats and sugars.
• Your immune system may not be working as well.
• You may have poor circulation.
• Your body may have more inflammation.
• You may develop a hormonal imbalance.

What are the health risks of an inactive lifestyle?

An inactive lifestyle can be one of the causes of many chronic diseases. If you don't exercise regularly, you increase your risk of:

• obesity
• heart diseases, Includingcoronary heart diseaseYmyocardial infarction
• hypertension
• High cholesterol
• attack
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain types of cancer, includingcolon,mommy, YUterus-Krebs
• osteoporosisYcai
• greater feelings ofDepressionYSuffering

A sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of premature death. And the more sedentary you are, the greater your health risks.

How can I start training?

If you have been inactive, you may need to start slowly. Little by little you can add more movement. The more you can do the better. But try not to get overwhelmed and do what you can. Getting some exercise is always better than none. Eventually, your goal might be to get theserecommended amount of exercisefor your age and your health.

There are many different ways to move; Is importantFind the types that work best for you.. You can also try to be more active in your life in smaller ways like: B. at home and at work.

How can I be more active at home?

There are a few ways to stay active at home:

• Housework, gardening, and gardening are physical jobs. To increase the intensity, you can try doing them at a faster pace.
• Keep moving while watching TV. Lift dumbbells, do some gentle yoga stretches, or ride a stationary bike. Instead of using the TV remote, get up and change the channel yourself.
• Train at home with a training video (on your TV or on the Internet)
• Take a walk in your neighborhood. It might be more fun to walk the dog, take the kids to school, or go out with a friend.
• Get up when you're on the phone
• Get some gym equipment for your home. Treadmills and elliptical trainers are great, but not everyone has the money or space for them. Less expensive equipment like yoga balls, mats, elastic bands, and dumbbells can also help you exercise at home.

How can I be more active at work?

Most of us are used to sitting in front of a computer at work. In fact, less than 20% of Americans have physically active jobs. It can be difficult to fit physical activity into your busy workday, but here are some tips to help you get moving:

• Get up from your chair and move around at least once an hour
• Get up when talking on the phone
• Find out if your company can get a work desk or treadmill
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator
• Use your break or part of your lunch to tour the building
• Get up and go to a co-worker's office instead of sending an email
• Meet with colleagues by walking or standing instead of sitting in a conference room