(CNN) - Everybody knows that exercise is good for your health, and too much sitting is bad.
But did you know that spending excessive amounts of time seated can erase some of the benefits you get from exercise?
A growing body of research indicates that too much sitting can be harmful for your health, even if you exercise regularly.
Researches pooled results from more than 40 studies and concluded that the more time people spent on their backsides, the greater their risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, cancer and Type 1 diabetes.
Regular exercise appears to mitigate some of the harmful effects of prolonged sitting but not all.
An analysis of more than a dozen studies found that at least 60 minutes a day of moderately intense exercise is needed to counter the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Experts usually recommend about 30 minutes of daily exercise.
But one study found that even these hour-long workouts don't reverse sitting's negative effects on insulin levels and blood fats.
However, there are things you can do in addition to exercise to reduce your sitting time.
At work, stand for a few minutes every half hour.
If possible, use a desk that will let you work both standing and seated.
Park as far as possible from entrances so you will have to walk a little bit more.
And don't just sit on the sofa when you're at home - do some chores or just stand periodically while watching TV.
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