A prolonged sedentary lifestyle has a negative effect on all systems of the body.
During long periods of forced immobility, muscles practically do not use glucose — the main source of energy for the body. This leads to the release of insulin, which increases blood sugar levels. In turn, this contributes to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol and damage to blood vessels. After just a few hours of immobility, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, blood circulation worsens, and metabolism slows down. Stagnation develops in the pelvic organs and lower limbs, which can lead to the formation of blood clots and metabolic disorders.
At the same time, the mobility of the chest decreases, breathing becomes shallow, the vital capacity of the lungs is reduced, and the overall level of tension in the body increases.
In addition, normal function of the intervertebral discs requires movement of the muscles and ligaments. Intervertebral discs do not have their own blood supply, so their nutrition and the removal of metabolic waste occur through diffusion.
If there is no regular movement in the area of the discs, microcirculation of fluids and biochemical processes are disrupted, and degenerative changes may develop.
Even regular exercise two or three times a week does not fully compensate for the consequences of prolonged immobility during the day.
Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of death from various causes, especially from cardiovascular diseases. At least a quarter of the world’s population leads a sedentary lifestyle. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3.2 million people die every year due to lack of physical activity.
However, short exercise breaks during the day can significantly change the situation.
Even 15–20 minute practices of physical activity and conscious breathing help restore micro-mobility at the tissue level, activate blood circulation, improve metabolic processes, increase concentration, and enhance the body’s resistance to stress.
According to recent studies, certain physical exercises increase the production of bile, which improves the removal of “bad” cholesterol and helps prevent the development of fatty liver disease.
Important: The selection of a daily exercise routine should take into account the physiological characteristics of the body and any current dysfunctions.
Sometimes small but regular actions are the most effective form of prevention.
