Wednesday marks the American Diabetes Association’s (Association) annual Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, an opportunity to increase awareness of the dangers of prolonged sitting and the importance of getting up and moving throughout the day. The Association recommends breaking up sedentary time with three or more minutes of light physical activity—such as walking, leg extensions or overhead arm stretches—every 30 minutes, in addition to getting the recommended 30 minutes a day, five days per week of moderate activity.

The average American sits more than seven hours a day. That’s why companies throughout Los Angeles are joining with the American Diabetes Association® to celebrate National Get Fit Don’t Sit DaySM on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. On this Wellness Day, the Association encourages everyone to limit the amount of time they spend sitting by making sure they get up and move at least once every 30 minutes throughout the work day.

“Research shows that sitting for prolonged periods of time increases your risk for serious health problems, including diabetes,” said Pacific Region Vice President Cassie Shafer, American Diabetes Association. “That’s why it’s so important to get up and move throughout the day. National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is a day to encourage Angelenos to get moving for better health.”

On average, people spend five hours and 41 minutes of their day sitting at work, which does not include time spent sitting away from the workplace. Research shows that sitting for long periods of time increases the risk for many health problems, so it’s important that we get up and move during the day. National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is the perfect way for employers to encourage employees to get moving for better health, according to Shafer.

Below are seven easy ways to incorporate more movement during the work day.
— Set a timer or alarm on your phone to get up every 30 minutes and stand, walk or stretch.
— Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
— Get up and stretch at your desk.
— Swap out your chair for an exercise ball to engage your muscles.
— Use part or all of your lunch break to take a walk.
— Walk places that are within a reasonable distance instead of taking a car.
— Try some chair exercises while at your desk, like raising your legs or arms.

To celebrate National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, Los Angeles City Hall, PDC/Brady Corporation and Sunkist Growers are among area businesses and organizations with planned activities through the Association’s Los Angeles office.

Los Angeles City Hall Event:
WHO: Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr. and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell
WHAT: Fitness Dance Exercise
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Los Angeles City Hall, SOUTH LAWN, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Santa Clarita Business Event:
WHO: PDC/Brady Corporation and Sunkist Growers
WHAT: “Get up and move to groove” led by fitness instructor Rufus Dorsey (actor, certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and motivational speaker)
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. (end time 12:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Sunkist Corporate Headquarters, 27770 N. Entertainment Dr,, Valencia, CA 91355 (circular driveway)

National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is part of Wellness Lives Here™, an American Diabetes Association initiative designed to inspire and fuel our nation’s healthful habits at work and beyond. To learn more, visit wellnessliveshere.org/getfitdontsit.

National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is sponsored nationally by NRG Energy, Inc.