Ep 168: Is Sitting Aging You Faster?

Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks to biologist Jeannette Loram about a recent New York Times article “ Why Sitting All Day May Shorten Your Life”. Katy was a source for this article and she talks with Jeannette about the journalistic process, and why the short-form might be letting us down.Katy and Jeannette talk about the benefits of sitting as well as the risks associated with uninterrupted hours in a chair. They discuss sitting as a two-part issue; first the inactivity and second the fixed body geometry. Katy and Jeannette discuss recent research showing that long hours of sitting are associated with a more rapid rate of cellular aging and how many experiences we put down to aging: muscle and bone loss, low energy levels and low back pain are really influenced by how much we sit.Katy and Jeannette critique the recommendation to offset hours in a chair by increasing exercise time, noting that this is not really how biology works. Katy suggests that this approach is a bit like flossing your teeth diligently while not brushing them.Connect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible by Our Dynamic Collective of Wonderful Sponsors: Correct Toes, soft silicone toe spacers that can be worn barefoot or in shoesSmart Playrooms, design and products to keep your kids engaged and active at homePeluva, Five-toe minimalist sports shoes ideal for higher impact activitiesVenn Design, beautiful floor cushions and ball seats that keep you moving at home or at the office.Wildling, minimal footwear for toddlers, kids and adults made from natural materialsMovemate, dynamic active standing boards that invite movement and play into your workday, without disrupting your workflowThoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits