You may have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” While sitting is not quite that detrimental to one’s health, there are still many risks to sitting for long periods of time. According to an article from theheartfoundation.org, a 2011 study that documented 800,000 people and their sitting habits found that people who sit the most, compared to people who sit the least, have a greater risk of developing a serious disease.
When you sit for long periods of time (like an eight-hour workday) blood flow slows down which can lead to heart disease. It also may lead to insulin resistance which can cause type 2 diabetes. When you sit, your body’s production of lipoprotein (an enzyme essential for breaking down fat) drops by 90%.
So, what is the alternative? Standing desks have become very popular recently, but with standing for long periods of time comes foot pain, back pain, and knee strain. That is where anti-fatigue matting comes in! Finding the right anti-fatigue mat helps combat these issues by providing support to the lower legs and back while promoting subtle movements in the leg and calf muscles which will result in increased blood and oxygen flow. For the average worker that sits at a desk for eight hours a day, having an anti-fatigue mat that prevents pain while standing can encourage a healthy mix between sitting and standing.
Shop our most popular office anti-fatigue mats: GetFit StandUp and Hog Heaven Fashion
If you’re interested in learning more about how anti-fatigue matting works and finding the right mat for your environment, read Anti-Fatigue Matting 101.