But a study out of the University of Glasgow in the UK shows that it might not just be total time spent standing, but the number of times you stand up that can help you burn the most calories.
A sedentary lifestyle has long been associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and other health issues. With that in mind, many in today’s workforce are trying to incorporate more standing into their work days.
As part of the small study, a group of overweight men participated in three eight-hour sessions. During one session, they sat the entire time except for restroom breaks. Another session involved standing for 15-minute intervals such that at the end of the day, they had spent four hours sitting and four hours standing. In the final scenario, the men alternated between sitting and standing much more frequently, with total time spent standing still at four hours.
The energy expended in the second, or standing, scenario was 10.7 percent higher than sitting continuously. In the third scenario, repeated standing and sitting, 20.4 percent more energy (calories) were burned.
Researchers concluded that the higher metabolic rate in the third scenario was likely due to the increased use of muscles for changing positions.
Whether you decide to increase the number of times you get up and down from your chair or begin standing more at your desk, it may be important for your future health to cut down on sitting.
“Some studies say that sitting is the new smoking when it comes to cardiovascular health,” says Dr. James Nevin, vice-president of medical management and emergency medicine physician at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Ill.
“I started standing at my desk due to issues with my neck,” says Dr. Nevin. “I’m pleased to report that appears to be better, and I feel more grounded and focused. I have recently added a Wurf Board (an anti-fatigue standing desk mat) to stand on that increases activity when standing, and I believe it burns more calories, as well.”
