Published:
Combat the Effects of Prolonged Sitting
Excerpted from presentation by John Petrizzo, PT, D.P.T., Assistant Professor, Exercise Science
Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, you probably sit…a lot. At work, in class, while driving, watching TV or gaming—on average, we sit 7.7 hours a day (some estimate people sit up to 15 hours per day).
“Today, our bodies are breaking down from obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, depression and the cascade of health ills and everyday malaise that come from what scientists have named sitting disease.”—James Levine, M.D., Ph.D.
If you missed the presentation by John Petrizzo on September 15, here are some ways you can incorporate more movement in your day, when appropriate for the situation.
At Your Desk or When Gaming: Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and stretch or walk around every 30 minutes.
Watching TV: Don’t forward through commercials. Use the time to stretch and move.
Emails and IMs: Don’t send emails or instant messages if the recipient is near you; walk over and talk to them instead.
On the phone: Stand up while taking phone calls.
Take the Road Less Traveled: Try a longer route to the restroom or to class. Use stairs not elevators. Park your car farther from your destination.
Commuting: Avoid long sitting commutes by standing on the bus or train. If driving more than an hour, stop somewhere to stretch.
Try performing these simple exercises throughout the day:
- Chin Tuck
- Seated Glute Stretch
- Wall Slide
- Crossover Shoulder Stretch
- Doorway Pec Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
For instructions, go to wellness.adelphi.edu/posture.
This article was featured in the Fall 2015 Adelphi Adelphi Wellness Newsletter.About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning
Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students’ lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi is one of just four companies and the only university on Long Island to be named among America’s Best Employers by State for 2023 by Forbes.
A surge in 2024 rankings by U.S. News & World Report—up 19 spots as a Best College, up 85 spots for Social Mobility and up 35 spots as a Best Value College—supports Adelphi’s rising reputation. Adelphi serves more than 7,400 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York—just 23 miles from New York City’s cultural and internship opportunities—and at dynamic learning hubs in Brooklyn, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 119,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.
For further information, please contact:
Health and Wellness Committee
e – healthandwellness@adelphi.edu
