
Deskbound
Kelly Starrett and Glen Cordoza
What's inside?
Discover the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and learn practical strategies to incorporate more movement into your daily routine for improved health and wellbeing.
You'll learn
Key points
01What's the sedentary epidemic all about?
You wake up, grab a quick breakfast, and then it's off to work. You're stuck in traffic for an hour, and then you're at your desk, sitting for the next eight hours. You drive home, have dinner, and then it's time to relax in front of the TV. Sounds familiar? This is the reality for many of us, and it's what Kelly Starrett and Glen Cordoza refer to as the 'sedentary epidemic' in their book "Deskbound: Standing Up to a Sitting World". The health implications of this lifestyle are far-reaching. Prolonged sitting has been linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. But it's not just physical health that's at stake. Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, are also associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Think of it like a car engine. If you leave it idling for too long, it suffers wear and tear. Our bodies are no different. When we sit for extended periods, our metabolism slows down, leading to what's known as metabolic syndrome. But the damage doesn't stop there. Prolonged sitting can also lead to musculoskeletal disorders. It's like using a machine incorrectly or overusing it - eventually, it starts to wear out. The areas of the body most affected by this are the back, neck, and shoulders, which can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. The science behind the sedentary epidemic is compelling. Research and statistical data show a direct correlation between the amount of time spent sitting and the risk of chronic diseases. In fact, the average American adult sits for about 10 hours a day. That's a lot of idle time for our bodies. So, why has sitting become such a big part of our lives? Modern lifestyles and work environments are largely to blame. Many workplaces are designed around desk-based work, which requires us to sit for long periods. And societal attitudes towards physical activity don't help either. We often view it as something that's done outside of work hours, not as an integral part of our day. In conclusion, the sedentary epidemic is a serious issue that needs our attention. It's not just about standing up more; it's about changing our attitudes towards physical activity and rethinking how we design our workspaces. So, take a moment to reflect on your own lifestyle. How much time do you spend sitting each day? And more importantly, what can you do to change that?
02Why regular movement is crucial for your health?
You're sitting at your desk, hunched over your computer, typing away. You've been in the same position for hours, barely moving. Sounds familiar? This is a typical day for many of us, especially those working in office environments. But have you ever stopped to think about what this sedentary lifestyle is doing to your health? A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by prolonged periods of inactivity, can lead to a host of health issues. Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are just a few of the conditions linked to a lack of movement. When we sit for extended periods, our blood circulation slows down, our immune system becomes less efficient, and our overall body function declines. For instance, a study highlighted in "Deskbound" showed that people who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks posed by obesity and smoking. Our bodies are designed for movement. Our muscles, joints, and bones all play crucial roles in facilitating movement. When these body parts are not used as they should be, they can become stiff and painful, and we can develop degenerative diseases. Think of your body as a car. If you leave it parked in the garage for too long, it will start to rust and break down. The same goes for our bodies. Without regular movement, our muscles weaken, our joints stiffen, and our bones deteriorate. On the flip side, an active lifestyle can have the opposite effect. Regular movement strengthens our muscles, keeps our joints flexible, and maintains the health of our bones. For example, a study mentioned in "Deskbound" found that people who took regular breaks from sitting to move around had lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, reducing their risk of heart disease and diabetes. The science behind human movement is fascinating. Movement contributes to our health in many ways. It helps our cardiovascular system by improving blood circulation, it aids our respiratory system by increasing oxygen intake, and it benefits our musculoskeletal system by strengthening our muscles and bones. Again, think of your body as a machine. Just like a well-oiled machine needs to be used regularly to keep running smoothly, our bodies need regular movement to function optimally. In conclusion, regular movement is not just beneficial for our health; it's crucial. It's time we stand up to a sitting world and incorporate more movement into our daily lives. Whether it's taking a walk during your lunch break, standing up and stretching every hour, or swapping your office chair for a standing desk, every little bit helps. So, let's get moving! Your body will thank you.

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03How to incorporate more standing and movement into your daily life?
04Exercises and Tips for the Deskbound
05The Importance of Nutrition and Sleep for Good Health
06Implementing and Maintaining Habit Changes: A Guide
07Conclusion
About Kelly Starrett and Glen Cordoza
Kelly Starrett is a renowned physical therapist, speaker, and author, known for his expertise in mobility and injury prevention. Glen Cordoza is a former professional mixed martial artist and co-author of numerous fitness and health books, specializing in detailed exercise and movement instruction.