2024-01-04 18:04:00
Everyone has long known that sitting for long periods of time is harmful to health. However, according to new data, the situation is much more serious. Even active sports do not eliminate risk. A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that following just four days of low physical activity, a state of “exercise resistance” occurs. Ten participants spent the first four days sitting for 13 hours a day and taking fewer than 4,000 steps. A week later, they did the same four-day period, but ended with vigorous exercise on a treadmill.
Typically, an hour-long workout has a positive effect on metabolism, and its effect lasts for at least a day. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance improve, which is a sign of heart health. However, in this study, the training did not benefit the participants.
The next day, following eating a rich, sweet ice cream concoction, their blood sugar, insulin, and lipid levels rose just as high as if they had not exercised the night before. This confirms the link between sedentary behavior and metabolism, meaning those who sit a lot may benefit less from exercise.
Although this study does not address the exact mechanisms behind this connection, previous studies in rats indicate changes in metabolism during prolonged periods of inactivity. For example, the level of the fat-regulating enzyme lipase decreases.
“It is unclear whether exercise resistance occurs following one day of low activity,” says the study’s lead author. Edward Coyle.
However, you should not expect that working out on the weekend can compensate for the harm from a sedentary lifestyle during the week. Coyle recommends taking 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day to ensure you’re getting enough activity to reap the benefits of exercise.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say exactly whether the source of harm is a lack of physical activity or the sitting position itself. Scientists recommend considering these aspects together and striving to be active at least to a minimal extent during the workday in order to get the maximum benefit from exercise.
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