Sitting is a basic action and resting position in which the body weight is supported primarily by the bony ischial tuberosities with the buttocks in contact with the ground or a horizontal surface such as a chair seat, instead of by the lower limbs as in standing, squatting or kneeling. When sitting, the torso is more or less upright, although sometimes it can lean against other objects for a more relaxed posture.
Sitting for much of the day may pose significant health risks, with one study suggesting people who sit regularly for prolonged periods may have higher mortality rates than those who do not.[1][2] The average person sits down for 4.7 hours per day, according to a global review representing 47% of the global adult population.[3]
The form of kneeling where the buttocks sit back on the heels, for example as in the Seiza and Vajrasana postures, is also often interpreted as sitting.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Biswaswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Mole, Beth (2017-09-13). "The new study suggesting sitting will kill you is kind of a raging dumpster fire". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2021-01-20.
- ^ on behalf of the Sedentary Behaviour Council Global Monitoring Initiative Working Group; Mclaughlin, M.; Atkin, A. J.; Starr, L.; Hall, A.; Wolfenden, L.; Sutherland, R.; Wiggers, J.; Ramirez, A.; Hallal, P.; Pratt, M. (December 2020). "Worldwide surveillance of self-reported sitting time: a scoping review". International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 17 (1): 111. doi:10.1186/s12966-020-01008-4. ISSN 1479-5868. PMC 7469304. PMID 32883294.