Sit alot? Best move often & regularly

lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, which, put simply, is necessary for triglyceride (free fat in the blood) uptake and Hdl-cholesterol production, as well as reduced glucose uptake.

Hamilton’s findings suggest that standing – which involves isometric contraction of the antigravity (postural) muscles and only low levels of energy expenditure – elicits skeletal muscle electrical changes as well as LPL changes.

In other words, when we sit for too long, the body’s ability to both utilise (burn) energy and create and experience energy is compromised. Think about it. If you sit for five hours straight, do you bound up with energy or begin to droop over your desk and feel sluggish, lethargic and fatigued? Typically, it’s the latter.

Research has also shown that regular movement breaks across the day reduce back, neck and shoulder pain, plus boost mood, all factors that contribute to us experiencing better energy, both physically and emotionally.

Here are some ways to move more:

Take the stairs instead of a lift or an escalator.

Swap sitting meetings for walking meetings at work, using your phone to record the meeting. Spend five minutes at the end sitting and consolidating it all.

Get up during television commercials and go for a walk around the house.

Engage in active travel to and from work or school, bike riding or walking, standing instead of sitting on public transport and getting on and off a stop earlier so you have to walk further to your destination.

Swap sedentary family time for active family time. This might mean playing hide-and-seek or going to the park instead of watching television.

Dr Libby is a nutritional biochemist, best-selling author and speaker. The advice contained in this column is not intended to be a substitute for direct, personalised advice from a health professional.