How many calories do you burn sitting in a chair, getting up or taking a walk around the office – BOA FORM

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There are many reasons for you to get out of your chair and stand more often during work hours. Weight loss is just one reason, according to a new study that accurately measured how many calories people burn during daily office activities. The long, uninterrupted periods we spend sitting at work are linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and even premature death.

Published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, the study tells that researchers linked to physical activity at the University of Pittsburgh recruited 74 healthy volunteers. Most were in their 20s, were of normal weight and had office routines.

These volunteers were randomly divided into four different groups. One group sat and typed at a computer for 15 minutes and then spent 15 minutes on their feet, moving as little as possible. The second also remained seated for 15 minutes, but watched a television screen and did not type. Afterwards, he walked on a treadmill for 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. The third group stood for 15 minutes and then sat for 15 minutes. And the last group walked on the treadmills for 15 minutes and then sat down.

Throughout the process, the volunteers wore masks that accurately measured their caloric expenditure. Participants who sat still burned about 20 calories during their 15 minutes of typing or looking at a television screen. Surprisingly, those who stood for 15 minutes only burned about 2 more calories compared to those who sat down. But those who walked for 15 minutes, even at a slow pace, burned about three times more than those who sat or stood. If they walked for an hour, the researchers calculated that they would burn about 130 more calories than if they remained in their chairs or standing.

The result of this experience concludes that, if your goal is to control your weight, standing up at work is not enough. You also need to incorporate a walk into your office routine. Simple actions such as placing the printer at the other end of the hall, or fetching water from the water cooler farther from your desk can help.