The Dangers of Inactivity

Exercise has proven to provide a number of benefits for our overall health and well being. However, exercise is not just a benefit, but a necessity to maintain good health. Current research is booming on the benefits of exercise and its various types. But it’s conclusive that inactivity is very detrimental to the body. As a general rule, adults would benefit from at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every day to maintain good health. This can include moderate walks, cardiovascular activities and strength training. The goal is to keep the body moving as opposed to succumbing to sedentary activities or lifestyle habits, especially for people whose daily work requires them to sit at a desk for long hours. Here is a list of the potential risks of an inactive lifestyle:

Weight gain

Your body requires activity in order to burn calories, especially the ones that you take in from food. With a sedentary lifestyle, you are more likely to gain weight because your body consequently stores the excess, unused calories. Obesity is becoming a widespread issue as people are choosing to be less active. Weight gain can put one at higher risk for health problems such as heart disease and metabolic syndromes, such as diabetes.


Poor circulation

Maintaining prolonged positions, especially spending hours sitting down, makes it difficult for blood to circulate at a rate that is optimal for the body. Activity helps to pump the heart and vessels to circulate around at much more efficient rate. This is important to feed the body and remove toxins that circulate the body as well. When blood does not circulate due to inactivity, it makes you more susceptible to blood clotting, especially in the lower extremities, and interferes with a lot of vital bodily functions.

Cancer

Current research has shown that inactivity can increase the risk for major health concerns, such as cancer. This is especially true for people who spend most of the day sitting down.

Poor brain function

The science behind this works in two ways: nutrition and activation. The brain requires movement in order to circulate nutrients around the body more efficiently. High levels of glucose in the body caused by a lack of exercise can impact how the brain functions. Inactivity, especially prolonged sitting, can lead to poor removal of toxins surrounding the brain as well, proving to lead to brain disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s. Research has shown us that the brain is dependent on a properly moving body and spine in order to get activation and stimulation. An active body leads to an active and healthy brain.


Poor posture

A sedentary lifestyle can become uncomfortable, especially with gravity taking its toll on the body. This forces you to fall into poor postures, such as slouching and forward head posture. This is detrimental to the spine if this posture is maintained for long periods, which can lead to impact on the nervous system and lead to other health issues.

With this list, the opposite is true for those who lead an active lifestyle. Burning more calories prevents weight gain, movement can help prevent risk of disease, activation of the brain leads to a healthier brain, and exercise can lead to improved postures and make you stronger and more vibrant. If you find that you’re in need of more activity throughout the day, make sure to set aside time to be more active during the day. If your job requires you to sit for prolonged periods, take breaks to stand up and move around before you get back to your work. Try to find variations of postures throughout the day so your body isn’t stuck in one position for too long.


Contact Our Local Chiropractor Today!


Sometimes the effects of an inactive lifestyle stick with us, especially the changes that they induce on your posture and your spine. It’s always best to consult with your Mississauga Chiropractor in order to see what condition your spine is right now, and to learn what exercises may benefit you specifically with the body and limitations that you have. Chiropractic adjustments have proven to have a huge impact in reversing and correcting the changes from a sedentary lifestyle and can put you on the road to a healthier life. You deserve to be at your best, so don’t hesitate to contact our Chiropractors for a consultation at (905) 821-4951.

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Monday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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12:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
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