Biologist and movement teacher Jeannette Loram joins to share insights on how prolonged sitting and standing can impact circulatory health. They compare modern sedentary lifestyles with the varied resting habits of the Hadza hunter-gatherers, highlighting the importance of dynamic movement. Katy explains how repetitive positions can lead to injuries while offering practical tips for maintaining cardiovascular health. They also dive into addressing hyperkyphosis, using an amusing banana analogy to illustrate spinal alignment. Tune in for enlightening versus entertaining moments!
Prolonged static positions, whether sitting or standing, can increase circulatory risks, emphasizing the significance of varied movement and positioning.
Adopting diverse resting positions akin to the Hadza lifestyle not only supports cardiovascular health but also encourages enjoyable and sustainable movement practices.
Deep dives
The Nutritious Movement Improvement Program
The Nutritious Movement Improvement Program (NMI) is designed as a comprehensive 12-week course that focuses on alignment, mobility, and strength, encouraging participants to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. It breaks down the body into upper, middle, and lower sections to target specific areas for improved functionality. Each week includes a 30-minute exercise video and a 15-minute coaching video, making it accessible for both new movers and seasoned exercisers alike. Participants can find tailored movement routines that enhance their practices and sustainability, regardless of their fitness level.
Examining New Year's Resolutions
The conversation reflects on common New Year's resolutions, highlighting personal experiences and the importance of setting mindful intentions rather than strict restrictions. The speakers discuss their approaches to movement and work, such as incorporating more cross-legged sitting to reduce standing time, illustrating the significance of adapting to one's needs. This perspective encourages listeners to consider small changes that can promote a healthier lifestyle without overwhelming themselves with unattainable goals. By focusing on positive actions rather than negatives, individuals can create a more enjoyable and sustainable path towards their fitness aspirations.
The Balance Between Sitting and Standing
The episode addresses the emerging research on the risks associated with prolonged sitting and standing, asserting that neither position is inherently superior. The hosts unpack a recent large-scale study indicating that while reducing sitting time is beneficial, excessive standing also presents health risks. They emphasize the importance of variety in positioning and the need for movement, suggesting that a balanced approach that includes micro-movements can mitigate the risks of both sitting and standing. This insight encourages listeners to rethink their workspaces and daily habits to find a more dynamic and healthier pattern.
Learning from the Hadza Lifestyle
The hosts draw parallels between modern health practices and the lifestyle of the Hadza people, known for their active living and varied postures. Despite resting extensively, the Hadza engage in a diverse range of movements, which contributes to their overall cardiovascular health. This model suggests that incorporating varied positions—even in sedentary activities—can promote better health without necessitating rigorous exercise routines. Listeners are encouraged to adopt simple changes, such as using different sitting positions during leisure activities, which can lead to significant health benefits over time.
Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Jeannette Loram, discusses a recent study on sitting time, standing time and circulatory risk. They cut through the media hype and explain what the study shows and why any prolonged static position might have health consequences.
Katy and Jeannette contrast our cultural norm of being in the same position for many hours a day with the diverse resting positions of the Hadza, a hunter-gatherer group with low cardiovascular risk but also a large amount of rest time. Katy explains how repetitive positioning generates higher pressure in specific locations in our circulatory system setting us up for injury, whereas varied positioning and light movement keeps the cardiovascular system supple and the pressure distributed throughout our system.
Jeannette and Katy touch on other issues to do with repetitive positioning including mobility and discomfort and offer practical suggestions for supporting your mobility and cardiovascular health while stationary. Finally don’t miss Katy answering a listener's question on hyperkyphosis via bananas and semi-permanent hair dye!
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