#Sedentarylifestyle

A new scholarly perspective from a Harvard professor challenges a deeply ingrained health narrative: humans may be evolutionarily suited to rest as much as move. The discussion invites readers to rethink how we live, work, and exercise in modern society, moving away from the blanket idea that prolonged sitting is simply a modern evil.

Sedentary behavior has dominated global health debates for years, with studies linking long hours of sitting to heart disease, diabetes, and higher mortality risk. In Thailand, rising urbanization and screen-based work have spurred nationwide campaigns encouraging frequent movement. The new evolutionary viewpoint adds nuance, suggesting that our ancestors may have balanced activity and rest in ways that differ from today’s office-driven lifestyle.

In a compelling new development that challenges popular notions of physical health, a Harvard University professor’s book asserts that humans may actually be evolutionarily built for sitting, rather than for long-distance running or relentless physical activity. This argument, summarized in a recent summary report, invites readers to reconsider ingrained beliefs—particularly the now-infamous comparison that “sitting is the new smoking”—and urges a reassessment of how we live, work, and exercise in modern society source.

A groundbreaking international study has identified the optimal number of daily steps needed to offset the health hazards of long periods spent sitting—a finding with particular resonance for Thailand’s increasingly urbanized and sedentary society. According to researchers, taking between 9,000 and 10,000 steps each day significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death, even among individuals with highly sedentary lifestyles. This new evidence challenges the traditional “10,000 steps per day” recommendation by directly linking step count to the dangers of prolonged sitting, and delivers crucial guidance for desk-bound Thais and anyone concerned with modern sedentary habits (ScienceAlert).

A new international study identifies an achievable daily step target that could offset the health risks of long periods of sitting. For Thailand’s increasingly urban and desk-bound society, the finding offers practical guidance: moving more during the day matters, with meaningful protection beginning at around 4,000–4,500 steps and greater benefits at 9,000–10,000 steps. The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and drawing on data from tens of thousands of adults, reinforces that every bit of movement helps when sedentary time is hard to avoid.

A recent firsthand report in Fit&Well explores four targeted exercises aimed at alleviating stubborn shoulder knots—a problem plaguing office workers, students, and even health-conscious Thais. With rising rates of sedentary lifestyles and remote work in Thailand, the promise of simple movements for shoulder relief has sparked both curiosity and hope among those battling daily aches and pains.

In the article, a fitness enthusiast recounts trying out a set of exercises specifically designed to relieve shoulder knots, sharing their surprise at the tangible improvements experienced after just a short period. The exercises, grounded in yoga and physical therapy principles, target muscle tightness that builds up in the rhomboids, trapezius, and shoulder blade areas—places notorious among desk-bound workers and tech users in Bangkok and across the country.

A recent report in Fit&Well shows four targeted moves to ease stubborn shoulder knots that many office workers, students, and health-conscious Thais experience daily. With more Thai professionals working remotely and spending long hours at desks, easy, practical exercises offer real relief and hope.

The piece follows a fitness enthusiast who tests the four exercises and notes noticeable improvements after only a short period. Grounded in yoga and physical therapy principles, the moves address tightness in the rhomboids, trapezius, and shoulder blade areas—common problem zones for Bangkok’s desk-bound workforce and tech users nationwide.

A groundbreaking new study reveals that just five minutes of eccentric exercise each day can significantly improve strength, flexibility, and mental well-being in people who previously led mostly sedentary lives. The findings, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in March 2025, challenge the notion that effective exercise requires a big time commitment—offering a practical path to better health for busy Thais grappling with limited time and space for fitness.

A new study shows that just five minutes of eccentric exercise daily can meaningfully improve strength, flexibility, and mental well-being for people who were mostly inactive. Published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in March 2025, the research challenges the idea that substantial health benefits require long workouts. The findings offer a practical path for busy Thais juggling work, family, and limited space for fitness.

Eccentric exercise focuses on the muscle-lengthening phase of movements—for example, the slow lowering in a squat or the controlled descent in a push-up. In the Edith Cowan University-led study, 22 sedentary adults aged 32 to 69 followed two weeks of their normal routines, then completed a four-week program of one slow set each day consisting of chair squats, chair reclines, wall push-ups, and heel drops. The unique feature was a five-second lowering phase with a one-second upward action.

How much exercise is truly enough for good health? For busy Thai readers balancing work, family, and social life, clear guidance can be the difference between nothing and taking that first, essential step. A wave of expert-backed advice and recent research now shows that even small amounts of movement matter, and consistency beats perfection every time.

The message resonates across Thailand, where rapid urbanisation and sedentary routines are taking a toll. The World Health Organization identifies physical inactivity as a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which remain top causes of premature death in Thailand and around the world. New guidelines from international health authorities and Thai public health groups align with a simple truth: small, regular movement yields meaningful health benefits.

How much exercise is truly enough for good health? For busy Thais juggling work, family, and social life, knowing exactly how much movement is needed can make the difference between doing nothing and taking that first, critical step. Now, a new wave of expert-backed advice and landmark research clarifies just how simple – and how impactful – adding regular movement can be, whether you’re a gym enthusiast or a “ชาวออฟฟิศ” (office worker) struggling for time.

A new AI-driven study sheds light on why some people stick to exercise while others abandon routines. Using data from nearly 12,000 individuals, researchers found three strong predictors of meeting weekly activity guidelines: daily sedentary time, gender, and educational attainment. The results suggest tailored health advice and smarter public campaigns could help people stay active, including in Thailand.

Thailand faces rising health risks from obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Urban life and demanding work schedules can limit time for movement, while long commutes and crowded cities encourage sedentary habits. Thailand’s Health Promotion Foundation reports that only about 40% of Thais exercise regularly, underscoring the need for effective, culturally relevant strategies. The study’s insights offer a practical framework for policymakers and health professionals working toward healthier communities.

A groundbreaking study using artificial intelligence (AI) has taken a scientific leap in answering an age-old question: why do some people stick with regular exercise, while others quickly fall off the wagon? By analyzing the habits and characteristics of nearly 12,000 individuals, a research team from the University of Mississippi has identified three surprisingly robust predictors of exercise adherence—how much time you spend sitting, your gender, and your education level—shedding new light on what keeps people committed to their fitness goals. This finding could open the door to more individualized health advice and smarter public health campaigns worldwide, including here in Thailand (Neuroscience News, Science Daily).

A groundbreaking new study using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has revealed the most crucial factors that keep people committed to their exercise routines: how much time they spend sitting, their gender, and their education level. Published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, this research analyzed health data from nearly 12,000 individuals, offering fresh insights into what helps people meet physical activity guidelines—a finding with important implications for Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common.

A new study using artificial intelligence and machine learning identifies the three strongest predictors of sticking with an exercise routine: sedentary time, gender, and education level. Published in Scientific Reports, the research analyzed health data from nearly 12,000 individuals to understand who meets physical activity guidelines. The findings carry meaningful implications for Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are rising amid urban life.

Regular exercise is essential for preventing chronic diseases. In Thailand, long hours at desks and routine traffic congestion increase the risk of inactivity-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Thai health authorities recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Yet many Thai people struggle to reach these targets, underscoring the need for effective, culturally informed strategies.

A new survey reported by The Japan Times shows a worrying drop in regular physical activity among Japanese adults. The trend has health experts and policymakers considering the potential long-term consequences for public well-being. While the study focuses on Japan, it resonates with evolving lifestyles across Thailand, where sedentary behavior and noncommunicable diseases are also on the rise.

The early-2025 survey points to fewer households maintaining daily exercise routines. Contributing factors include demanding work schedules, lingering effects of the COVID-19 era, crowded cities, and greater engagement with digital devices. Thailand faces similar patterns, with rising obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risks prompting renewed attention from health authorities. Data from a leading national newspaper highlights these parallels.

A recent survey published by The Japan Times has revealed a concerning trend: Japanese people are exercising less than before, sparking discussions amongst health experts and policymakers about the potential long-term impacts on public health. This news puts the spotlight not only on Japan’s changing lifestyle patterns but also raises relevant questions for Thai society, where sedentary habits and non-communicable diseases are likewise on the rise.

According to the report, the survey—conducted in early 2025—highlights a decline in regular physical activity among the Japanese population, with a significant proportion indicating a reduction in daily exercise routines compared to previous years. The data suggests that busy work schedules, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban living constraints, and increased engagement with digital media contribute to this drop in physical activity. These findings are particularly significant for Thailand, where similar lifestyle shifts are being observed, and where the burden of lifestyle-related health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continues to grow (Japan Times).