It’s been said that “sitting is the new smoking”—and for good reason. Sedentary living is now recognized as a major risk factor for metabolic dysfunction, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances. But how often do we stop and really think about how much of our day is spent sitting?

Just consider your daily routine: you sleep (hopefully lying down), eat breakfast seated, drive to work seated, sit through meetings, eat lunch seated, work some more, drive home seated, maybe squeeze in a workout or a walk, then sit down for dinner and unwind before bed—seated yet again. That’s hours upon hours of inactivity, and our bodies weren’t built for this level of stillness.

Sitting for too long can cause poor blood flow, increased blood pressure, and a higher likelihood of developing blood clots. Studies link prolonged inactivity to a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, as circulation becomes sluggish and blood vessels stiffen over time.

A recent study revealed that interrupting prolonged periods of sitting with “movement snacks” —like 10 bodyweight squats every 45 minutes—are more effective for blood sugar regulation during a long sitting period than one 30-minute walk.

This concept of ‘movement snacks‘ as we like to call it @thewildandwellcollective have been shown to be even more effective than a sustained duration of exercise

In the study, participants who performed 10 body weight squats every 45 minutes had better blood sugar regulation in comparison to those who stayed seated or took a 30 minute walk.

Concluding that short, frequent movement helps improve glycemic control. Balanced blood sugar levels support overall metabolic health and weight loss management.
The solution isn’t just adding a single workout to your day—it’s integrating movement throughout your routine.