Get Off Your Fanny and Get Moving!

The Winter Olympics starts tomorrow night. Many of us will spend much of the next two weeks snuggled down on the sofa cheering on our favorite athletes. Researchers say our time would be better spend emulating them than watching them compete.

A recent survey showed that adults spend an average 8 hours a day -- 56 hours a week -- sitting on our fannies. New research shows that sitting for long periods of time puts our bodies into sleep mode. Fat burning enzymes -- the things that break down triglycerides in our blood stream -- simply stop working. Triglycerides provide our bodies with energy but an excess can also contribute to high blood pressure, high blood sugar and the build up of bad cholesterol. Exercise helps keep triglycerides regulated.

Researchers believe that Americans are burning an average 1000 fewer calories per day than we did a generation ago. Our sedentary lifestyles that focus around computers at work and television at home are to blame. More exercise is the answer. At work, take a lap around the office every few hours or use the stairs instead of the elevator. At home, take a daily walk and charge up the stairs a few times each day.

Something to think about while you watch world class athletes performing during the Olympics. No one expects you to achieve the same level of physical perfection as an Olympic athlete, but you'll do your body good if you get up out of your armchair during commercial breaks and MOVE!