It’s no secret the recent concern that has been brought to everyone’s attention, sitting for eight hours or more can lead to health risks. But combatting the impact of spending most your waking hours sitting isn’t that difficult to achieve.

A recent study by international researchers concludes that all that’s necessary to fight against the risks are an hour or more of physical activity a day. Although, many people live a life that follows the routine of driving to work, sitting in the office, driving home and watching TV, it’s become harder and harder to make physical activity a priority.

A similar risk to smoking and obesity, the greatest risk of early death came to those who found themselves physically inactive, no matter how much of their day they spent sitting. “An hour of physical activity per day is the ideal, but if this is unmanageable, then at least doing some exercise each day can help reduce the risk,” says Professor Ulf Ekelund from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge.

Researchers are aware their data was collected through involving very specific participants, but the impact their findings can have is what’s important. Their goal is to make sure people are aware that this doesn’t have to be a negative discussion.

“Our message is a positive one: it is possible to reduce—or even eliminate—these risks if we are active enough, even without having to take up sports or go to the gym” said Ekelund