Dos and Don’ts When Using a Sit Stand Desk
By Rhonda Campbell
The human body was made to move. Benefits of movement and exercise include lower blood pressure, reduced body fat, increased flexibility and better cardiovascular health, according to the American Council on Exercise. Movement also helps to improve mood, endurance and the ability to adapt to change.
Tips to Better Sit Stand Desk Usage
But, it’s not always easy to move, especially at work. In fact, work is the one place where you get paid to sit for hours. Years ago, few people knew about the downsides of sitting. As more people become enlightened about the benefits of movement at work, the numbers of employees and contractors using a sit stand desk are rising.
That’s good. What’s not good is using a sit stand desk the wrong way. If you don’t know the right way to use a standing desk, you could start using the wrong posture and not even know it. Following are important dos and don’ts when using a standing desk.
To begin, make sure that the sit stand desk is the right height. You shouldn’t have to stretch or lean over to see your computer monitor or type on the keyboard. The top of your computer monitor should be nearly even with your eyes when you stand.
Stand erect. Avoid slouching. You may find this easier if you wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Consider keeping a foot rest beneath your sit stand desk, so you can shift your weight from foot to foot as needed. Remember, you want to be comfortable. You don’t just want to stand.
More Sit Stand Desk Pointers
While sitting, keep your hips and thighs parallel to the floor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also recommends that your knees be at a similar height as your hips. Use your thighs for support when you transition from sitting to standing.
Step back from your desk and perform simple exercises. For example, you could do leg lifts or arm raises. Get in the habit of actually moving while you work. A sit stand desk can make it a lot easier to become more active.
Keep supplies without easy reach. For example, if you make a lot of phone calls as part of your job, keep your telephone nearby. Also, consider using a headset. This can keep you from leaning your head awkwardly to the side while you listen to a speaker on the other end of the line.
Take breaks. In other words, walk away from the standing desk throughout the day. Enjoy short walks. This not only improves your physical health, it provides a beneficial mental break from the day’s work.
This standing desk tip is an indirect advantage when it comes to using a sit stand desk. Treat yourself to a healthy diet. Also, incorporate exercise into your daily routine. A healthy diet and regular exercise can keep your body at an optimum weight, taking undue pressure off of your limbs and joints.
In addition to adhering to the above dos and dont’s when using a sit stand desk, it’s important that you assemble a standing desk properly. You could even get a standing desk that comes already assembled, the type of mobility desk that you basically pull out of its protective box, then start using.
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/standing-workstation/art-20088544
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/positions.html
https://www.acefitness.org/blog/5282/proof-that-the-human-body-was-made-to-move
