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.

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.

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.

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.

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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