Here’s some troubling information that you should not take sitting down. New research found that people who spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or in front of a TV are likely to die of any cause during a three-year period.

These findings, from a new study by Sydney University in Australia, are particularly relevant to tens of millions of Americans who are proverbial couch potatoes. In fact, a survey released by the Physical Activity Council, a coalition of sports and fitness trade groups, shows that the number of “inactive” people in the United States grew by 1 million in 2011, to 68.2 million – nearly 20 percent of the population.

This new research confirms once again that too much of a sedentary lifestyle can shorten our lives according to Beaufort fitness experts. And it is not just sitting for hours in front of the TV or computer screen, but also in our cars and at desks at the office. What it comes down to is that excessive sitting anywhere is dangerous to your Beaufort health and fitness.

Why should we be concerned? Because Americans average five hours of TV time every day, according to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association. And that does not include the time we spend each day on other sedentary tasks.

It may be very important to you to keep up with the Kardashians, but be aware that, according to the 2011 Harvard University study, watching TV for two hours a day increases your risk for type 2 diabetes by 20 percent and cardiovascular disease by 15 percent. And more than three hours of sitting in front of the TV every day ups your risk of dying from any of the slew of diseases.

For many people, the risks of too much sitting are nebulous, which may be why they are not motivated to change their ways. However, these numbers will hopefully encourage the couch potatoes to adapt a healthier and more active Beaufort fitness lifestyle.

While it is unreasonable to completely banish sitting, you must balance it out with frequent and vigorous movement.

It seems obvious, but when you don’t get enough physical activity like a Beaufort fitness program in your daily routine, you tend to put on weight. Do this often enough for long periods of time, and obesity will set in, giving way to many related conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, among other illnesses.

That’s why a regular exercise or Beaufort fitness program is a must, but if you haven’t moved for a while, you must take some precautions, at EarthFIT we advise to:

• Ask your doctor whether it’s safe for you to work out.
• Start slowly, increasing your exertion level gradually.
• Include strength training and interval training in your routine – best ways to build muscle, burn fat and calories, and get overall health benefits.
• If you are not sure how to kick-start your routine, ask a Beaufort personal trainer for help.