Sunday 3 June 2018

The Many Health Benefits Of 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.

The traditional office set up consists of a desk set at a static height with an adjustable chair. Although a lot of companies provide ergonomic tools such as lumbar and wrist supports, and foot rests, this still leaves the employee's body in a sitting position for hours on end. This sedentary positioning can lead to a lot of problems with one's muscles, bones, and heart.

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.

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 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.

Many people have the common misconception that they are not really moving if they are not exercising vigorously. In all honesty, even minimal actions like going outside for a breath of fresh air, stepping in place, and just walking to get a drink of water, constitute movement. The body and heart will receive ample blood flow through circulation as long as the muscles are being worked.

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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