Why we are recommending "La chaise tue" to our innovation community
- Rita
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
At NETO Innovation, we spend our days helping deep tech startups, researchers, and industrial pioneers navigate the complexities of Research and Innovation grants and European funding. We talk a lot about Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), scalability, and market disruption. But we rarely talk about the physical state of the person sitting behind the screen writing those proposals or analyzing that data.
We recently came across the book "La chaise tue - Comment échapper à la sédentarité et remettre son corps en marche" (The chair kills), written by Alexandre Dana and Victor Fersing. It is a direct, well-researched look at how sedentary behavior is affecting our health and our ability to innovate. We believe it is an essential read for anyone working in high-pressure, office-based environments.
The silent impact of sitting - insights from La chaise tue
Most of us in the innovation sector spend most of our day sitting. We sit during meetings, we sit while drafting work packages, and we sit while commuting. According to the authors, the average professional sits for 8 to 10 hours a day.
The book argues that the human body isn't built for this. Our biology is still rooted in movement. When we stop moving for long periods, our metabolism slows down, our circulation becomes less efficient, and our cognitive function begins to dip. The authors use the term "sedentary" not to describe people who don't go to the gym, but to describe the literal act of staying still for too long.
The "active sedentary" trap
One of the most important points Dana and Fersing make is the distinction between being physically active and being sedentary. Many of us think that going for a 45-minute run after work cancels out 8 hours of sitting at a desk.
The book explains that this isn't how the body works. Intense exercise is good for cardiovascular health, but it doesn't "undo" the cellular and metabolic damage caused by hours of inactivity. They call this the "active sedentary" trap. To maintain true health and peak mental performance, we need frequent, low-intensity movement throughout the day rather than just one burst of activity at the end of it.
Why this matters for innovation
Innovation requires high levels of creativity, focus, and problem-solving. These are biological processes. Research cited in the book shows that movement stimulates the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth of new ones.
If our goal is to solve complex global challenges - whether in green energy, health tech, or digital transformation - we need our brains to function at their best. A sedentary lifestyle creates a "brain fog" that directly hold back the quality of our work. By moving more, we aren't just getting fit; we are optimizing our most important professional tool.
Practical changes for the workplace
The book is not just a warning; it is a manual for change. The authors suggest several ways to rethink how we work.
Standing meetings: If a meeting doesn't require a screen, do it standing up or, better yet, while walking. This often leads to shorter, more decisive conversations.
The 30-minute rule: Try to get up every 30 minutes, even if it is just to stretch or walk to the window. This keeps the metabolism active.
Environment design: We should design our offices to encourage movement. This might mean placing printers further away or using height-adjustable desks.
Our take
At NETO Innovation, we value efficiency and sustainability. "La chaise tue" reminds us that personal sustainability is part of that equation. If we want to lead long, impactful careers in the European innovation ecosystem, we must look after the hardware - our bodies.
The book is written in a direct, accessible style. It avoids unnecessary jargon and focuses on actionable advice. It is a wake-up call for a society that has become too comfortable being still.
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