We’ve heard the phrase, “sitting is the new smoking,” because prolonged sitting is associated with a host of negative health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even increased mortality risk (1,2). But what about prolonged standing? According to a new study from Australia, prolonged standing presents health risks, too.

The Study and Its Findings

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology (3), involving over 83,000 participants, took a closer look at the effect of prolonged standing at standing desks and measured the impact on heart health. The average age of these participants was 61 years.

The study reaffirmed that sitting for more than 10 hours a day is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that simply standing more didn’t offset these risks. In fact, extended standing was linked to a higher likelihood of circulatory issues, such as varicose veins and dizziness.

Movement Is the Missing Link

Static positions, whether sitting or standing, may not be the best approach for health. Instead of simply replacing sitting with standing, health experts say it is crucial to incorporate regular, varied movements throughout the day.

What’s Your Tip to “Move More” Throughout the Day?

I’d love to hear how you build movement into your day. I’m not talking about exercise—just moving more. My dog Bella can be as sedentary as her mom, so we have started taking “joy breaks.” Every hour or so, we get up, walk around the backyard, and enjoy nature for a few minutes.