If you work a desk job, youre no stranger to sitting for eight hours a day.

But is it possible to exercise your way out of those risks?

Current physical activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.

woman with phone walking to work

LeoPatrizi / Getty Images

He said both studies showed that its better to add physical activity to your day rather than reducesedentary behavior.

[M]any people have to sit for long periods of time at work and during transportation.

For these, being physically active outside of work is even more important, Ekelund added.

However, alternating between sitting and standing may help minimize back pain brought on by desk jobs.

Just taking five minutes every hour to do something physically active has benefits.

Think of these breaks as “activity snacks,” said Ekelund.

Spending a few minuteswalking up the stairsalso counts.

Research has shown this can actually make a big difference in lowering the risk of heart disease and death.

And if you want to maximize your exercise time, ramp up the intensity.

Research has shown that short bursts of vigorous-intensity exerciselikejumping rope,running, or hiking uphillhelp minimize cardiovascular risks.

According to research, exercising for 30 to 40 minutes daily can offset those risks.

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