Saturday, June 2, 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.

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.

Some offices have even gone to the extreme opposite by installing standing desks in order to negate the sedentary issue. They add ergonomic support by providing items such as personal treadmills, cushioned mats, or stools, as a means to take pressure off of the back and legs. Standing for such long hours can also have drawbacks in the shape of strain on the hips, lower back, and knees.

On the average, a person is at work for around eight hours a day, so it may seem that finding a solution is impossible. If they stay seated at a desk for this whole time, they run the risk of possible heart conditions and poor circulation, but standing those hours is working to lower bone and muscle strength. There needs to be a balance which helps decrease the negative impact of both extremes.

The solution to these two extremes is to do both in moderation. This means finding an acceptable combination of standing and sitting in order to keep issues with one's circulatory or musculoskeletal systems from beginning. With a simple turn of a crank, push of a button, or press of a lever, an individual and take their work surface from the seated height to standing in a matter of seconds.

Many studies have been conducted and the experts agree that the combination of at least 10 minutes of standing for each 20 to 30 minutes sitting can provide an effective posture break for the body. One needs to be aware, however, but it is not enough to simply be standing. Movement should dominate at least 2 of the 10 minutes so that circulation is boosted enough to benefit all the muscles and organs.

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.

So much at one's life is spent sitting. Whether it is time spent in the riding in transportation, watching television at home, or being at work, the sedentary position can adversely affect one's health in many different ways. The key to minimizing the risks is to institute a combination of sitting, standing, and moving to improve posture, bone and muscle strength, and circulation.




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