When sitting on a flat surface, some important postural muscles become inactive, compromising the body’s ability to remove fat and cholesterol from the bloodstream. Studies show that when these muscles are inactive, production of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that helps remove fat and cholesterol, drops by 90 – 95%. Moreover, within a couple of hours of sitting, levels of some healthy cholesterol also drop, by 20%.
Standing puts the pelvis is in a neutral position and enables the postural muscles to maintain the spine in a natural “S” shape. However, research has also shown that standing all day places an additional load on the circulatory system, increasing the risk of carotid atherosclerosis by a factor of nine.
The solution is to maintain the pelvis under the spine, enabling the postural muscles to support the upper body. This position minimizes compression of the lumbar discs, allows the back and neck muscles to relax and relieves on the internal organs. Placing the pelvis above the knees keeps the hamstrings relaxed and encourages good circulation of blood and fluids.
