Sedentary refers to a lifestyle that is characterized by little or no physical activity. People who are tend to sit or lie down for most of the day, and may not get enough exercise. This lifestyle has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
The word “sedentary” comes from the Latin word “sedēre,” which means “to sit.” Sedentary can also be used to describe organisms that do not move around very much. For example, barnacles are creatures that attach themselves to rocks or other surfaces and do not move around.
Factors that can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. These include:
- Job: Some jobs require people to sit for long periods of time, such as office workers, truck drivers, and factory workers.
- Transportation: People who rely on cars or public transportation for transportation may not get enough exercise.
- Hobbies: Some hobbies, such as watching TV, playing video games, and reading, are sedentary activities.
- Health: Some people may be unable to get enough exercise due to health problems, such as obesity, arthritis, or heart disease.
There are a number of things that people can do to reduce their sedentary lifestyles. These include:
- Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes: This can be as simple as walking around the office, getting up to get a drink of water, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Take part in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.
- Choose active hobbies: Instead of watching TV or playing video games, try activities like hiking, biking, or swimming.
- Make small changes to your daily routine: Park farther away from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk to lunch instead of driving.
Making even small changes to your lifestyle can help you reduce your sedentary habits and improve your health.
