However, new research from the US has indicated that getting out off sofa could lead to more benefits than improved fitness.
According to a study published by the BMJ Open, people who sit for less than three hours each day tend to live for two years longer than their more sedentary counterparts.
It was also revealed that cutting television viewing to less than two hours per day could boost longevity by 1.4 years.
Senior cardiac nurse for the British Heart Foundation Natasha Stewart drew attention to the reasons behind these outcomes.
She said: "This research only suggests a casual association between sedentary behaviour and a shorter life expectancy.
"However, it does highlight what we already know about sedentary behaviour being a risk factor for developing heart disease … We all need to be regularly active to keep our hearts healthy."
As well as encouraging a summer ready bikini body, exercise improves cardiovascular fitness for greater lung capacity and better heart health.
Ms Stewart added: "Whether it's by walking to the local shop rather than driving, or playing sport rather than watching it on TV, there are lots of ways to be more active."
Employees in office jobs can often struggle to find the time to stretch their legs, however simply taking regular breaks can help overcome this, so long as you step away from the desk.
It can be a great idea to use you lunch hour to get out and about for at least the first 30 minutes, leaving the other half of your break for a healthy meal.
Professor David Spiegelhalter, an expert in risk calculations at the University of Cambridge, recognised the challenge of staying off our feet for less than three hours each day.
He said: "It seems plausible that if future generations moved around a bit more, then they might live longer on average.
"But very few of us currently spend less than three hours sitting each day, and so this seems a very optimistic target."
