Overcoming the Dangers of Prolonged Sitting

You’ve likely heard the adage that "sitting is the new smoking." Basically, that sitting all day at work or elsewhere is one of the most harmful things you can do for your health. 

But is it really all that bad? 

In this episode, we talk with Molly Mirhashem, an editor from the New York Times Well Desk, about the health risks of being too sedentary, what you should know about “dead butt syndrome,” and what you should be doing if you have a desk job.

Then we talk with Wirecutter's home office writer Arriana Vasquez, who shares what you should know about standing desks, walking pads, and other office gear that can help you stay more active during the workday.

This episode covers:

• The real health risks of too much sitting: Molly shares how sitting for more than even 30 minutes can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and contribute to pain in your muscles and joints.
• Why you should schedule “movement snacks” in the day: Experts recommend getting up to stand or move around at least every 30 to 60 minutes. Even if you work out during the day, it’s important that you break up long periods of sitting as much as you can.
• Simple tips to get moving: We provide practical advice for incorporating movement into your daily routine without needing to invest in expensive equipment.
• The best office gear for movement: We discuss different types of home office equipment, including standing desks, walking pads, and under-desk ellipticals, and explain who each one is best for.

Products we recommend:

• Our favorite standing desk: Uplift V2 Standing Desk
• Our favorite standing desk converter: FlexiSpot AlcoveRiser Standing Desk Converter M7
• Our favorite walking Pads: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill and GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill
• Our favorite balance board: Fezibo Balance Board
• Arrianna’s favorite stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper

Arrianna also likes her Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper and as of this recording was testing the Cubii JR1, Cubii Move, Cursor, and Putnen ellipticals.

Additional Reading: 

• Tight Hips? These Moves Can Help.
• The 3 Best Standing Desks in 2025
• The 3 Best Standing Desk Converters of 2025
• You’re Probably Standing at Your Standing Desk Wrong. We Can Help.
• The 2 Best Under-Desk Treadmills of 2025

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast