Study: Too much sitting makes you resistant to the effects of exercise

July 25, 2019 Tim Aging & Health 1
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A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology seems to show that people can become “resistant” to the healthy benefits of aerobic exercise if they sit too much.[1]

In this study, a number of participants were asked to perform aerobic exercise after 4 days of prolonged sitting. The metabolic impacts of that exercise (post-exercise triglycerides, glucose, and insulin levels) were then compared to exercise sessions done on days which included a 1 hour treadmill workout.

Can too much sitting make you resistant to the positive effects of exercise? It seems yes.
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The participants did not see as much benefit from exercise after the bouts of prolonged sitting.

The researchers call this condition “Exercise Resistance”.

What does this all mean?

It is probably wise to partake in physical activity (whether exercise, or otherwise) frequently – rather than sparingly.

You will get more benefit from exercise in this fashion.

Our article title “Sitting – The New Smoking?” contains practical ideas you can use to hit your physical activity goals on a daily basis.

References

1. Akins JD, Crawford CK, Burton HM, Wolfe AS, Vardarli E, Coyle EF. Inactivity Induces Resistance to the Metabolic Benefits Following Acute Exercise. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2019 Feb 14. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00968.2018.

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1 Comment

  1. At 76 with increasing arthritis aches and pains i know i need to pay attention here. i’ve noticed i tend to sit more. As a lifelong exerciser i don’t want to undo the benefits i’ve reaped…..WILL POWER

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