"Sitting is the New Smoking" – Here’s What Educators Can Do About It!

"Sitting is the New Smoking" – Here’s What Educators Can Do About It!

👋 Hello Educators!

Welcome to the TeacherFit Newsletter, a weekly newsletter providing practical tips and actionable steps that help you lower stress, increase energy and be your best self in and out of the classroom!

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As educators, we spend a lot of time sitting—whether it’s during lesson planning, grading, or attending meetings. But did you know that prolonged sitting has been linked to various health issues?

Here’s why it matters and what you can do to move more throughout your day, even in the classroom.

In this recent article, Sanford Health says:

1. Prolonged sitting slows metabolism and affects your posture.
Sitting for long periods of time has been shown to slow down your metabolism, which can affect how your body regulates blood sugar and breaks down fat. This increases the risk of heart disease and other chronic health issues.

Plus, sitting hunched over your desk can lead to poor posture and back pain, something many teachers are all too familiar with.

To combat this, try standing or walking during class activities. Move around while your students work or stand up while teaching to keep your body active.

2. Set a timer to remind you to move.
When you’re focused on your tasks, it’s easy to forget to move. Setting a simple timer can remind you to get up, stretch, or take a quick lap around your classroom.

Frequent movement helps improve circulation, reduces stiffness, and boosts energy levels throughout the day.

Use those quick breaks during prep periods or between classes to walk, stretch, or do a few squats behind your desk.

3. Create active breaks for students.
Movement isn’t just for you—your students need it too! Studies show that brief movement breaks increase focus and engagement.

Incorporate short stretching or movement breaks into your lessons to help students stay energized and attentive.

It’s a win-win because you’ll also get a moment to stretch and break up your sitting time while helping your students stay engaged.

4. Try desk exercises or use a standing desk.
If you spend hours grading or lesson planning at your desk, incorporating movement is key. Simple desk exercises like shoulder rolls, leg lifts, or stretches can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

If possible, consider using a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. This will help maintain your energy and reduce back strain, especially during those longer planning sessions.

What better way to get up and start moving by joining our Virtual Turkey Trot 5K!

🎯 Here is what you receive when you register:

✅ Virtual Race Bib with your Name and Number

✅ 10% of all proceeds are donated to Feeding America (each $1 we raise provides 10 meals to families in need)

✅ Entry into drawing to win 50% of all entries (to be entered, you must take a picture with your race bib on 11/28, tag TeacherFit on social (or email to us!)

✅ 6 Week Race Day Ready System Training Program (PDF) — Walking and Running

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Thanks for reading and talk with you next week,