ParticipACTION finds Manitobans are spending more of their day sitting than before the pandemic

While working from home became the safe choice during the pandemic, new data from ParticipAction suggests that may no longer be the case.  As survey data indicates Manitobans who work remotely demonstrate the highest levels of sedentary time.

ParticipACTION found that remote workers spent 73 per cent of their days or about 6.2 hours out of an 8-hour workday sitting. That’s nearly double the amount of time seen by those working in an office environment. Which Dr. Leigh Vanderloo says could lead to a number of negative health consequences.

“High blood pressure, increased risks for type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic related issues.  But we also see issues or impacts regarding our overall mental health and wellness, our ability to think and learn, and of course our mental moods as well,” said Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, Scientific Director at ParticipACTION.

“While out of necessity to deal with the pandemic, we have in a way socially and physically, really engineered those opportunities to be active on a daily basis out of our day-to-day lives.”

Unsurprisingly, a lack of time stood out as the biggest barrier restricting those working from home from keeping active. However, Dr. Vanderloo stresses the importance of starting small and suggests scheduling short breaks throughout your day to work towards your activity goals.

“Even if it’s a 10-15 minute movement break, still taking that pause. Especially if you can take it outdoors even if it’s a short stroll around the neighbourhood or down to the end of your street and back.  Not only is that going to be good for you physically but it will also have an important impact on our overall energy and our ability to be more productive,” said Dr. Vanderloo.

In an effort to buck this worrying trend, ParticipACTION is encouraging workers across the province and country to ‘sneak’ physical activity into their workdays next week as part of their Sneak it in Campaign.