Sedentary Lifestyle
Sedentary Lifestyle
What is a sedentary lifestyle?
Sedentary lifestyle is a type of lifestyle most commonly
found in modern (particularly Western) cultures. It is
characterized by sitting or remaining inactive for most of
the day (for example, in an office or at home). It is
believed to be a factor in obesity and other disorders,
primarily heart disease (www.wikipedia.com)
Sedentary lifestyle can also be defined as a
lifestyle of inactivity in which a person fails to
participate in at least 20 consecutive minutes of
exercise 3 times per week.
What Are The Problems (Cons)?
Health
Sedentary Lifestyle is one of the 10 leading causes of
death and disabilities in the world!
Lack of physical activity doubles the risk for:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Colon and breast cancer
Problems (Cons) Continued
Statistics show that due to physical inactivity,
different chronic illnesses are on the rise.
– 12.6 million people have coronary heart disease
– 1.1 million suffer from a heart attack in a given year
– 17 million have diabetes (90-95% have type II which
is associated with obesity an inactivity.
– 107 thousand people are diagnosed with colon
cancer each year
– 50 million people have high blood pressure
– More than 108 million adults are obese or overweight.
The Positive Side
• People can meet with less focus on
physical appearance and more on
personality.
• With online shopping and delivery
services, people with limited means of
transportation or mobility can be more
independent.
• Life is much more convenient.
Impacts On Rec and Leisure
Services
In today’s society the sedentary lifestyle is
becoming more common. Since
recreation is about getting out and
participating, many recreation centers are
being hurt from lack of participation.
– Camps and Rec centers loose funding
– Community support is not there
– Loss of recreation job opportunities
Impacts Continued
Focus has to be shifted to a more sedentary
style of Rec and leisure.
– Online gaming tournaments
– Cyber cafés
– Movies
– Nap Centers
Solutions
Fitness Centers
– YMCA
– Gold’s Gym
– MAC, FAC, GNAC
Solutions Continued
Recreation Centers
– Campus Recreation
– County Recreation
– Outdoor Recreation
– Intramurals
– Sports Leagues (baseball, softballk,
basketball, masters swim…)
Solutions Continued
Organized Endurance Events
– Start small
– Raise money for a good cause
– Sparks an interest
– CMM
– Incorporate Other Activities
Lifestyle Challenge
In What ways has our lifestyle become more
sedentary in your lifetime?
Any Ideas
Some Ideas
Lifestyle Challenge
Take 1 minute and write down ways to make
your lifestyle less sedentary.
Examples
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Use a push mower to mow the lawn.
How many ways did you come up with?
Lifestyle Challenge
How can we keep the convenience of a
sedentary lifestyle but remain active and
healthy?
What will our lifestyles be like in 20 years?
References
• http://www.wikipedia.com
• http://womenswealth.atena.com/WH/iht/
WH/r.WSIHW000
• http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/phys
icalactivity/index.shtml