Movement Foundation

Being sedentary

Being sedentary means not moving from the sitting or lying position whilst awake, for prolonged periods. Sleep time is not considered being sedentary.

When the body is sitting or lying, we are not moving the large muscles in the arms, legs, and buttocks, nor are we challenging our cardiorespiratory system (heart and lungs).

There is no known “safe sitting time”.

• Consider what types of daily activities make it more likely for you to be sedentary. Examples include watching television, or working at a computer? How might you change your activities or day to reduce the risk of not moving?