The Zack Arnold Podcast The Solution to Your Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting all day long sucks, but the post-production profession demands it. So what is being sedentary all day long, and working 12-16 hours a day, actually doing to your body and what can you do about it? Are there options? Absolutely, and it's easier than you may think.
In my blog post 'Sitting Is Killing You, But Standing Isn't the Answer (And Neither Is Exercise)' I walk through the many negative health consequences of being sedentary all day whether you are sitting or standing. In this episode I do a much deeper dive into this topic with fitness expert Ben Greenfield, an ex-bodybuilder, Ironman triathlete, Spartan racer, coach, speaker and author of the New York Times Bestseller “Beyond Training: Mastering Endurance, Health and Life”.
If you are fed up with the way you look in the mirror, if you're tired of brain fog, and if you're tired of never having the energy to start an exercise program (or even get out of bed some days), this is the episode for you.
Our show sponsors:
Cinemoti: 2nd Unit Footage for Film & Television
Topics of Conversation:
- Ben is not a physician and that can be a good thing
- What is “Greasing the groove” and “The Naked Warrior”?
- Sitting is not dangerous by itself -- the issue is lack of movement
- What sitting all day is doing to your body (and mind)
- The same risks of chronic sitting persist EVEN if you exercise!
- There is more force on your spine when you sit than when you run
- Standing has a lot of issues too -- varicose veins, ankle pain, low back pain, foot pain
- How Ben incorporates movement into his day
- Try switching positions when you feel you’re in a creative rut!
- Are you sitting because you have to or because you don’t want to move?
- Try setting up rules for your breaks. For example: when you take a bathroom break, do 20 squats or 10 burpees
- Micro workouts (three 10 minute workouts) can be more helpful than 30 min at the gym
- More helpful tools for working in movement throughout the day
- Scheduling breaks can help you maintain focus throughout the day and not burn out
- How do you start from square one?
- The cultural barriers within the office and how they can be problematic
- How movement can help your cognitive performance and creativity (Read: movement can make you better at your job!)
- You don’t need to exercise one hour each day, five days a week. Start with ten minutes every day at work!
- A few tips and apps that can help increase cognitive function and wakefulness
- Having little exposure to light can affect focus, creativity and your sleep schedule. Check out Ben’s article on this topic: “What is the human charger”
Useful Links:
FiP Blog Post: Sitting Is Killing You, But Standing Isn't the Answer (And Neither Is Exercise)
FiP Podcast Ep29: Ben Greenfield, All Around Badass
KyBounder Anti-Fatigue Mat via Ben Greenfield
FiP Podcast Ep58: Take Your Standing Workstation to the Next Level with Topo
Guest Bio:
Ben Greenfield is an ex-bodybuilder, Ironman triathlete, Spartan racer, coach, speaker and author of the New York Times Bestseller “Beyond Training: Mastering Endurance, Health and Life”. In 2008, Ben was voted as NSCA’s Personal Trainer of the year and in 2013 was named by Greatist as one of the top 100 Most Influential People In Health And Fitness. Ben blogs and podcasts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and resides in Spokane, WA with his wife and twin boys.
Show Credits:
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, the show notes were prepared by Natalie Boschan, and this show is executive produced by Kanen Flowers. We are a member of the THAT STUDIO podcast network.
The music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Dorian Cheah from his brilliant album ARA.