Saw these nice graphics on Lifehacker today:

http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/sitting-kills/

Having gained 10 pounds since starting the doctorate, I'm working to reverse the damage! Thought these were a good reminder. I've been using an online stopwatch, setting it for various increments as a reminder to get up and walk around, go out for a short walk, do some simple exercises, etc. It's been helping my mental attitude and my writing . . . Took some experimentation, thought, to figure out the right time increments for me (25 minute pomodoros are too short for me: but three 60-minute cycles, with short breaks between and a longer break after seems to be helping. At least I've stopped gaining.

Passing this along in case it helps anyone else stay motivated!

Oh but if it was only 10 pds I had gained since starting on this PhD :-(

Link is interesting, sobering and motivating - thanks (writes she standing up ;-))

Playing a bit fast and loose with the facts aren't they?

I agree with Melsie.

OK no one can argue that it's better to be less sedentary, but I think it's probably a bit more complicated than they make out. Plus what about sleeping? Aren't there a whole lot of studies that show sleeping for longer is better for you? but surely whilst lying down you're using even less energy?!

Good idea, I'm going to try your 3x60 min idea to see if I can get more writing done that way as well!

The sitting kills thing seems a bit OTT, most of those stats are just correlations, surely?

Really a very helpful tip. I am a victim of "sitting". In this two years of my M.Phil I completely spoiled my neck and back. I got at least 8 knots on the back of my shoulder. I have been writing my thesis lying on my bed with the help of a pillow. So Pls pls pls consider wht Bejas told. No research is worth your health and life!...