We sit more than any generation before us. In our modern world, it’s entirely possible to wake up, sit down for breakfast, drive or commute to work, sit at a desk for hours, come home, and unwind on the couch—only to repeat the cycle the next day.
But here’s the thing: humans weren’t designed to sit still. Movement isn’t just a form of exercise. It’s a fundamental part of our biology, hardwired into us through millions of years of evolution.
“We didn’t evolve to be active in order to be healthy; we evolved to be active in order to survive.”
— Daniel Lieberman, Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard
The Problem with Our Sedentary Norm
According to Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, our bodies suffer not just from a lack of exercise, but from the sheer number of hours spent sitting inactively each day.
“Movement isn't just something we do at the gym. It's something we should be weaving into the fabric of our day.”
— Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
Even if you do a daily workout, it may not offset the impact of prolonged sitting. Studies have linked sedentary behaviour to increased risks of back pain, fatigue, poor posture, and even chronic diseases. Sitting for long stretches without movement slows down circulation, affects mood and energy levels, and can ultimately reduce overall wellbeing.
Bringing Movement Into the Workspace
This is exactly why we created Esfera Designs — to help people reimagine their workspace as a place that supports movement, not restricts it. Our signature fabric-covered exercise ball isn't just a stylish upgrade; it’s a tool that invites subtle, consistent motion into your day.
By sitting on an exercise ball (even for just a portion of your day), you’re:
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Engaging core muscles
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Encouraging better posture
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Adding gentle micro-movements that support spinal health and circulation
Pair it with a standing desk mat, our desk mat for task zoning, and accessories that support flow and comfort, and you’ve created a workspace that works with your body—not against it.
Start Small, Move More
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Dr. Chatterjee often recommends what he calls “movement snacks”: simple bursts of movement you can do throughout the day to break up long periods of stillness. That might mean:
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Taking calls while standing or walking
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Doing 60 seconds of stretches between meetings
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Swapping your regular chair for an exercise ball for 20–30 minutes at a time
You Were Made to Move
Evolution doesn’t lie. As Lieberman explains in his book Exercised, we are the descendants of hunters, gatherers, walkers, builders, and movers. When we honour that legacy with our daily habits—even in small ways—we feel better, focus better, and thrive.
So if you’ve been feeling stuck, stiff, or sluggish, maybe your workspace needs a reset.
Let your body do what it was made to do.