Friday 1 June 2018

The Many Health Benefits Of A Sit Stand Workstation

By Maria Wood


It seems that in modern times, people as a whole are experiencing significantly more health issues than in previous decades. This is largely due to spending a greater amount of time sitting, with less focus on moving around. A lot of offices are switching to a sit stand workstation format to help improve employee well being and morale.

Traditionally, offices provided employees with a standard desk with a set height, and a chair that was adjustable. Some also provide them with ergonomic tools like a foot rest, and lumbar and wrist supports, but they still remain seated for hours. It is the sedentary position that often leads to issues with one's bones, heart, and muscles.

Many places have gone to the opposite extreme by providing standing desks to try and combat the sedentary issue. To add a little ergonomic support, they may also provide stools, treadmills, or cushioned mats, as well as a means to alleviate some of the pressure. Being on one's feet for long hours also has it's drawbacks in the form of placing strain on one's knees, hips, and lower back.

So with the average work day lasting about eight hours, it may seem that there is no viable solution. If one sits all day at their desk they run the risk of poor circulation and possible heart issues, but standing for those long periods are equally risky and could be detrimental to bone strength. There must be a happy medium that can help minimize the negatives that come with either of these extremes.

The answer to these problems is to do everything in moderation instead of insisting on one extreme or the other. The key is to combine sitting and standing so that circulation and musculoskeletal issues are not able to fully manifest. Adjustable desktops go from traditional height to a full upright position simply by pushing a button, pressing a lever, or turning a crank.

The most widely accepted formula is that for every 20-30 minutes one spends sitting for whatever reason, they should be in a standing position for at least ten minutes to give their body a posture break. However, simply standing up is not enough. It is extremely important that a minimum of two of those minutes be spent moving in order to give a little encouragement to the circulatory system and get the blood flowing.

A very common misconception among many people is that to constitute moving they must do vigorous exercising, which is incorrect. Movement can consist of anything, even walking to get a drink, going outside for fresh air, or stepping in place. So long as there is action in the muscles, the blood will be encouraged to flow effectively, feeding the entire body and especially the heart.

A huge part of a person's life is spent in the seated position. Whether they are at home and watching television, driving or riding in the car, or at work, time in this position can adversely affect many areas of their health. The risks can be minimized by making a point to change to a standing position periodically and to add movement to improve circulation and exercise bones and muscles.




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