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Standing Desks Help Beat Inactivity

April 3, 2020

Sitting is the new smoking, we’re told, and suddenly sit-stand desks are everywhere. And even though standing was initially advocated to help people loose weight, recent studies are touting the additional health benefits of standing desks.

Where sit-stand desks had the most impact, research has found, was in relieving the discomfort of sitting for long periods of time.

However, a sit-stand desk or workstation is not intended to be used as a standing desk, because just like sitting, constant standing is also not good for you. The sit-stand desk is intended to switch those positions. It is important to establish what the frequency should be, for instance, how often should we alternate between sitting, standing and moving?

Frankly, the answer is probably different depending on who you are and what health issues you have.

Featured Product – Connexion Sit/Stand Workstations

We are not built to sit for long periods of time

That said, sitting for an extended time at a desk at the office, behind the wheel of a car or in front of a screen is not good for you. Prior studies have found the risk of developing a serious illness from sitting more than eight hours a day with no physical activity was much the same as the risks encountered from smoking or obesity.

On the upside, some studies have shown those negative effects can be erased by daily exercise and by alternating the time you spend sitting and standing while working or gaming on your computer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Some tips on how to use a Sit/Stand desk

Try to alternate frequently: What’s best for the body is not to sit or stand, but to move. Just the act of getting up and down burns more calories than sitting or standing. So, try to alternate between two positions as often as makes sense – an optimal choice would be every 30 minutes.

Of course, it’s easy to forget to do that. Some people use apps that set timers to remind them to move. Another suggestion is to stand up when you are doing activities that don’t require constant typing, such as when on conference calls.

Work on your posture: Stand up straight when upright and keep your hips tucked under. When sitting, your knees should be at a 90-degree angle — you may need a foot support to make that happen.

It seems alternating between sitting and standing, even if standing is only for a short period of time certainly improves posture while seated. That’s good news for your back during the afternoon slump.

Consider an anti-fatigue mat: Not only can a cushioned mat help ease the strain of standing, some types come with a contour that can encourage you to move more

Try to stand after eating: You’ve just eaten a big lunch, right? Perhaps do a standing period where you’re slightly more active than you would be sitting. That might help with burning those calories.

Don’t just rely on the standing desk: Try walking with your colleagues for meetings rather than sitting in a conference room. Do some steps if you can — take the stairs, not the elevator.

Reach out to an ergonomics expert: There’s a whole lot to know about keeping the stress off your neck and shoulders. Your arms should be at 90 degrees; your monitors should be at or slightly below eye level. Having a poor fit on these items can cause significant pain and fatigue.

Less work stress and pain mean higher productivity, and the sales consultants at Cecil Nurse would be only to happy to help you set up your desks, chairs, keyboards and monitors to meet each person’s needs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]