Standing Counts, but Walking Counts More

Getting out of the chair helps.

But walking, even for a few minutes, may help more.

Research published in Sports Medicine has looked at what happens when older adults break up long periods of sitting.

The findings suggest that simply standing is better than remaining seated.

But short bouts of light walking appear to produce greater benefits than standing alone.

In practical terms, that means a lap around the room, a walk to the mailbox or a few minutes moving through the house may do more than just getting up and standing in place.

One reasonable goal is to avoid sitting for hours without a break.

For some people, that may mean getting up every 30 minutes or so, even if only briefly.

The movement does not have to be strenuous.

Gentle stretching can count too.

Stretching while lying down or reclining can move the hips, shoulders and other joints through a wider range without requiring the back and legs to support full body weight.

The main idea is simple.

Standing is better than sitting.

Walking is better than standing.

And small amounts of movement, repeated throughout the day, can add up.