Improved Health With A Sit Stand Workstation

By Maria Wood


In the world of today, people - in general - are experiencing more health issues than just a few decades ago. A huge part of this is due to the fact that so much time is spent sitting and less time is devoted to moving around. A sit stand workstation is one way many offices are trying to improve the well being and morale of their employees.

In a standard office setting, employees are given a desk that is fixed at a standard height and a chair which they can adjust. They might also be provided with ergonomic tools such as foot rests, and supports for the lumbar and wrists. Even with those additions, the person is still seated for many hours, which can lead to heart, muscle, and bone issues.

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.

Since an average work day is approximately eight hours, it might seem impossible to find a solution. Sitting at a desk all day runs the risk of decreased circulation and the potential for heart issues, and standing all those hours is equally risky to muscle and bone strength. There is a happy medium available that can significantly lower the risks that each of these extremes pose.

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.

People spend so much of their lives sitting. Whether at work, at home watching television, or in the car driving, this position can have a very adverse effect on several different aspects of their health. The best way to minimize these risks to to make sure to not only remember the importance of not only standing every now and then, but also to get moving to work the circulation, muscles, and bones.




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