The 45-minute sitting rule: What cardiologists really want you to know

1:17 PM ETDeveloping

Health Desk

In Short: Cardiologists advise taking short breaks to interrupt sitting time, emphasizing the importance of a dynamic daily movement pattern over specific intervals.

Cardiologists are urging individuals to prioritize short breaks from prolonged sitting, according to Dr. Varsha Kiron from AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad. The key message is to avoid uninterrupted sitting rather than obsessing over a specific number of minutes.

Research has shown consistent benefits from interrupting sitting time, but studies have examined intervals ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, indicating that the exact duration is less critical than the frequency of movement breaks.

Longevity cardiologist Dr. Ariel Soffer recently advised people not to sit for more than 45 minutes at a stretch, aligning with the growing emphasis in cardiology on the total movement pattern of the day rather than a single exercise session.

For office workers, Dr. Kiron recommends taking a two- to five-minute movement break every 45 to 60 minutes, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the day.

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Sources

The Indian Expresslink