Friday 8 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.

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.

Many places have gone to the opposite extreme by providing standing desks to try and combat the sedentary issue. To add a little ergonomic support, they may also provide stools, treadmills, or cushioned mats, as well as a means to alleviate some of the pressure. Being on one's feet for long hours also has it's drawbacks in the form of placing strain on one's knees, hips, and lower back.

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.

Moderation is the answer to solving the problems that these two extremes pose to people who need to spend hours at a desk. The main key is a combination of sitting and standing which does not allow musculoskeletal or circulatory issues to formulate. With an adjustable desktop, one can take their computer from the traditional height, all the way into a full up right position just by pressing a lever, turning a crank, or pushing a button.

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.

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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