This particular infographic is quite appropriate for me, since lately I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time sitting down in front of my computer. Despite knowing that it’s bad for me, it has become an unfortunate fact of life.
Over the course of the previous year, I barely did any kind of web development work, and spent most of my working time concerned with writing (for people rather than computers). But, since I’ve been collaborating with Andrew Badenoch on an exciting little project, it’s felt like my lifestyle has taken a trip back in time to when I was fixture in my cubicle, staring at a monitor all day gulping down soft drinks and munching on junk food.
The scenario is certainly ironic, considering the scope and purpose behind the project! Perhaps there is something about programming that drives a hunger for stimulatory beverages and foods, maybe to keep the brain firing on all cylinders.
Any way, it’s important to be wary of getting stuck in pitfalls like these, since prolonged sitting and slouching can have disastrous effects on your posture. Tim Ferris’s book The 4 Hour Body, has a great section containing exercises which are designed help to mitigate some of the problems that arise from sitting all day. I suppose necessity is the often the mother of invention, and it’s very pertinent in that regard since he apparently spent a lot of time sitting and typing in order to write his book.
This infographic was brought to you by MedicalBillingandCoding.org, click to view full size.
If you enjoyed this article, get email updates (it's free).
10 Responses to Sitting Down is Killing You (Infographic)
Eat Well, For Less
Over 40 pages of advice, dedicated to helping you save money on healthy food.
Want to Learn More?
If you are unfamiliar with some of the topics that I’m discussing, you should enroll in my free five part email tutorial.
You’ll receive a series of emails answering the main questions you probably have about natural diet and fitness.
Got a fixed standing desk at home and a desk that raises and lowers at work. I try to stand at least 2hrs a day at it, plus I get up and walk around.
I tried the standing desk idea for a while, but it was hard on my knees. What I need is a treadmill desk, staying mobile feels better.
Kind of outside my budget right now though.
This makes a lot of sense and is just the right information at the right time. Thanks! I’m wondering about the standing desk from anyone who uses one – has it made a difference in terms of weight or fat loss? Also, would using an exercise ball as a desk chair make a difference in this, do you think?
As chiropractors we say “sitting is to your spine as sugar is to your teeth.”
I asked my department to get me an adjustable standing desk recently as they are swapping out old office furniture and it looks like I may actually get one! It would be ideal so that you could sit if you had already stood for a while and needed a break. I tried to make on myself but it wasn’t ideal so I took it apart before I gave myself some other injury!
One thing I did to facilitate this was to have two sets of keyboards and monitors for my computer, one below the other.(not necessarily possible for all budgets I know)
But, doing that allowed me to work while standing or sitting depending on how I felt at the moment.
I did have a chiropractor tell me that instead of getting an exercise ball, a stool will work just as well to help you maintain your posture and have some flexion to your core.
One of my professor’s has a treadmill desk and she absolutely loves it.
They say sit at 135 degrees but arn’t you supposed to change your sitting position every ten minutes? I go from 135, to straight, and then forward leaned and repeat that process
Sitting at 135 angle may save your back, but what about your neck?
I am curious about this kind of exercise..i think I should try this..