Sit – Stand Desks – Do They Really Help?
In last week’s article we talked about the best chairs for back pain. But, just because you work on a computer all day doesn’t mean that you have to sit in a chair all day. Another popular trend in office environments is to stand behind your desk. In this article we will look at sit – stand desks and their effect on your body.
Sitting is the New Smoking
Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking? That phrase has been thrown around lately. The implication is that a largely sedentary lifestyle can have a detrimental effect on your health and well-being. Those of you that have suffered from back or neck pain can probably relate. Often our joints become stiff the longer rest. Then, when we try to move or stand up, the stiffness results in aches and pains.
A common trend to try and minimize these aches and pains is to reduce the amount of time sitting for office workers. As part of this trend many sit stand desks and sit to stand workstations have hit the market.
The Benefits to Sit – Stand Desks
Based on studies, periodically standing (as opposed to sitting all day) can have positive effects on the body. Some benefits observed were:
Reduce Fatigue by Alternating Sitting and Standing
Sitting all day can make you groggy. Alternating sitting and standing in 30 minute can help reduce the fatigue you feel at the end of the day.
Less Back Pain
Individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) had less back pain at the end of the day when they alternated sitting and standing throughout the day.
Heart Health
Initial studies have identified a possible positive effect on heart health for workers who’ve switched to sit-stand desks.
Some things that don’t appear to be impacted by the use of sit-stand desks are:
Energy Exertion
You won’t burn significantly more calories with a sit and stand desk but you may feel some other benefits.
Work Productivity Impact of Standing vs Sitting at a Workstation
Studies found that most people got just as much work done using these workstations as they did with a traditional desk.
Take a Stand Against a Sitting Behind a Desk!
Sit-stand desks and workstations are becoming more popular and less expensive than when they first came on the market. If you work at a job that requires you to sit at a computer all day you should consider purchasing (or asking your employer about) a sit-stand workstation or desk. Take a stand…your body may thank you!
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