After reading the title, you might be thinking, “But is it really? Is “dangerous” kind of a harsh word? And isn’t there a lot of value in rest?”

And yes, there is tremendous value in rest, but rest and inactivity are two very different things. In fact, they’re so different that we absolutely stand by the statement: inactivity is dangerous to your health and longevity. Let us show you exactly what we mean.  

With all the wonderful, time-saving conveniences of modern life, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of inactivity. After all, so many people seem to live this way. Many of us have jobs that only require a computer and an internet connection, leaving little opportunity for movement. Then, after work, we unwind in front of the TV. What we don’t realize is that this lack of movement might be silently harming us from the inside out.  

Inactivity contributes to an increased risk of chronic disease, mental health challenges, and decreased quality of life. Let’s break it down further.  

“But I Go to the Gym!”

Maybe you’re thinking, “I go to the gym a couple times a week—I get plenty of movement!” To that, we’d say two things:  

1. GREAT! Never stop doing that. You’re doing awesome!  

2. BUT—simply doing a workout while being stationary for the rest of the day might not give your body all the movement it needs to thrive.  

Your overall daily activity matters just as much as your workout routine. Let’s dive into why movement throughout the day is crucial.  

1. Increased Risk of Chronic Disease from Inactivity

We are designed to move. Our bodies function best when we give them the opportunity to stay active. When we lead sedentary lives, the consequences start piling up—like dominos—until the system eventually collapses.  

Cardiovascular Health

 Prolonged inactivity reduces blood flow, making the heart work harder and increasing risks like hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Think of it this way: when you move, your heart pumps harder to deliver blood to the muscles in motion. Without regular movement, your heart becomes less efficient, requiring it to beat faster to compensate.   

Diabetes 

Sedentary behavior decreases insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. When you’re not active, your body has to produce more insulin to maintain blood sugar balance. Over time, this can create a dangerous cycle, as your body becomes less responsive to insulin.  

Cancer Risk  

Inactivity is linked to higher risks of certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer, due to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Chronic inflammation, caused by inactivity, also leads to prolonged stress responses, elevated cortisol, and disrupted hormones.  

These effects ripple through the body, affecting weight, mental clarity, and immunity. Movement helps improve circulation, detoxification, and hormone regulation, all of which reduce chronic disease risk.  

Practical Solutions for Desk Workers 

– Set a Timer: Stand or stretch every 30 minutes. (Bonus: use a smaller water bottle to give yourself a reason to refill it frequently!)  

– Walk It Out: Take short walks during lunch breaks or after meals.  

– Track Your Steps: Aim for at least 7,000–10,000 steps daily.  

2. Mental Health Consequences from Inactivity

Inactivity doesn’t just affect your body—it impacts your mind, too.  

Stress and Anxiety  

Movement boosts endorphins, which help regulate mood and reduce stress. Without regular activity, you may struggle to manage stress, and your sleep quality may suffer, further compounding anxiety.  

Depression  

Sedentary behavior is linked to higher rates of depression. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates feel-good chemicals that uplift your mood. Even small amounts of movement can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. You might have heard of the “runner’s high,” a little burst of feeling more invigorated and happy when running. In many ways, that happens every time we get our bodies moving, whether we feel it in that intensity or not. Imagine doing lots of movement and giving your brain even more of those little burst of joy moments!

Cognitive Decline  

Movement increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, supporting memory and cognitive function. Without it, you may experience accelerated memory loss and mental fog.  

Movement isn’t just about physical health—it’s a way to process emotions, reduce cortisol, and boost clarity. And let’s be honest: some of the best ideas and solutions come to us during a walk or workout! (Fun Fact: you are able to come up with ideas and solve problems on a walk because it engages both your left and right brain at once.)

Practical Solutions for Better Mental Health

– Mindful Movement: Practice yoga or tai chi to combine mindfulness and exercise. Just 5 minutes of stretching in the morning or evening can make a difference.  

– Get Outside: Natural light and fresh air can significantly boost mood and motivation.  It is honestly pretty wild how much the sun does for our wellness. Read more HERE

– Find an Accountability Partner: Stay active by teaming up with a friend or family member. Bonus: it’s a great way to deepen relationships!  This might be just the thing that really gets a new routine of movement going for you. What if you and your best friends decided to catch up over a round of golf? Or you decided to join a local Sunday volleyball team?

3. Decreased Fullness of Life from Inactivity

Movement is key to maintaining independence, strength, and vitality as you age.   

Postural Issues

Prolonged sitting leads to tight hips, rounded shoulders, and back pain, which can snowball into long-term spinal problems. When movement becomes harder, it also becomes less appealing—creating a vicious cycle.   

Muscle Atrophy

Without regular movement, muscles weaken, reducing strength and functional ability. If we allow this to be a pattern as we age, we run the risk of losing independence as well. Movement is truly medicine for those feeling the effects of age.  

Bone Health  

Weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining bone density. Without them, inactivity increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.  

Your musculoskeletal system is your body’s foundation. Strength and flexibility are essential for mobility, balance, and injury prevention. A balanced approach to movement incorporates strength training, stretching, and recovery.  In a nutshell, movement gives your body a huge boost in VITALITY and LONGEVITY!

Practical Solutions for Strength and Mobility

– Desk Exercises: Try seated stretches, shoulder rolls, or squats during work breaks.  

– Strength Training: Incorporate bodyweight exercises or resistance training 2–3 times per week.  

– Daily Mobility Work: Add short dynamic stretches, like lunges or cat-cow poses, to keep joints healthy.  

How to Create a More Active Lifestyle 

Movement doesn’t always have to come in the form of “working out.” It is easy to get discouraged when life happens and we aren’t able to get that exact number of workouts in a week. However, our body thrives off of all types of movement. Here are some tips to encourage and inspire you to simply get moving:

1. Redefine Exercise: Think beyond the gym—gardening, dancing, or playing with your kids all count!  

2. Start Small: Begin with small, manageable changes, like a 10-minute walk after dinner.  

3. Make It Fun: Choose activities you genuinely enjoy to stay consistent.  

4. Multitask: Make a phone call, listen to your favorite podcast, or run through your plans for the next week while you go for a walk or jog through the neighborhood.

Bonus Tip: Make movement a game (this is especially fun if you have young kids)! For example, while watching TV, pick an action to perform when a certain word or event happens. (Think: jumping jacks every time Steve Harvey says, “Survey says!”)  

We believe true health isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about thriving physically, mentally, and emotionally. Movement is a huge part of that!  

Your body craves it, thrives on it, and truly needs it for you to live your best life. With small, consistent changes, you can reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your mental health, and build a foundation of strength for years to come.  

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