Now, stand up to lose weight

Now, stand up to lose weight

Yes, you read it right. A recent study claims that standing is a great way to slim down

Tired of sitting on the chair? Just stand up and remain standing for some part of the day, if you wish to lose some weight. Yes, you read it right. A recent study conducted in the UK says that people who prefer standing while doing their work, are more likely to lose calories than people frequenting gyms or dieting. Stuart Biddle, professor of physical activity and health at Loughborough University, who has been backing this 'innovative' weight-loss plan and the study said, "The weight loss during standing is part of a wider health programme. For example, assuming that an individual works for eight hours per day, replacing 50% of work time with standing could translate into weight loss between 1-3 kg per year. I have a sit-to-stand workstation in my office and do plenty of tasks standing."

Though the idea seems achievable, fitness experts remain divided in their opinion when it comes to the new 'stand-up' exercise. They feel, it can be worth only if some movement is done while you stand. But for people, the 'stand-up' exercise is something different and easy. "Being from the IT sector, I have to sit in front of the computer for hours, which is making me overweight. If this exercise is going to help me, there's no problem in standing for some hours daily," said Aishwarya Katkar, a fitness enthusiast. Ganesh Yadav, a doctor, said, "Whether or not this exercise will help lose weight is hard to say. But it will surely improve blood circulation. And if it helps reduce weight, people can stand and work for some time."

The question that arises is, will it reduce the gym attendance? For fitness trainers, the answer is no. "It is necessary to do some movements and sweat it out if you want to shed some kilos. Just standing won't help," Sachin Gaikwad, a personal fitness trainer, said. "Stand-up exercise may help you lose weight only if you stand for around 12 hours per day continuously for a month. And after that, you will end up losing only around two kilos. Stretching your muscles, following a proper diet plan and keeping your body in motion will help you lose more weight," added Siddharth Rege, a fitness expert
.