Thursday 7 June 2018

A Sit Stand Workstation Provides Multiple Health Benefits

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.

Then there are offices that take things to the polar extreme with having only standing desk as a means to beat the sedentary situation. They try to ease the situation by providing employees with cushioned mats, stools, and even treadmills, as ergonomic support. The problem is that standing for extended hours can also take its toll on a body by straining the lower back, knees, and hips.

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.

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.

One common misconception that many individuals have is that moving means doing vigorous exercise, which is absolutely not true. Movement could be anything as simple as stepping in place, walking to get a drink of water, or getting outside for a breath of fresh air. As long as the muscles are in action, the blood is encouraged to flow more freely, feeding the heart and body.

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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