What are sit-stand workstations, and what are the benefits to utilizing them?
Sit-stand workstations are height adjustable. The user can switch back and forth between sitting at their desk and standing. These desks tend to be adjusted electrically, pneumatically or by a crank.
Next, onto some important information; why it is absolutely essential to use a sit-stand workstation. According to the Washington Post, the “average office worker sits for about 10 hours a day”. I repeat; 10 hours a day! Washington Post attributes these hours to all the time spent in front of a computer; responding to e-mails, browsing the web, whatever else we may do in front of the computer. Then there’s the time spent sitting while we eat lunch, and dinner and then when we’re at home watching TV, reading a book, etc etc. Read their article in full here.
That seems a bit problematic, to say the least. We are not meant to live a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, research shows that long periods of sitting on a daily basis are strongly correlated with increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic problems, risk of cardiovascular disease, risk of cancer, and even chance of dying within a given period. That is EXTREMELY alarming. “No big deal!”, you might say, “I go to the gym after work, so I’m fine!”, you might say. Not exactly. Research goes on to state that working out after sitting in the office does not counteract the harmful effects of being immobile all day long. The key is “consistent, moderate levels of movement throughout the day.” says the Smithsonian. You can read more in-depth about what they have to say here.
So if we can combat these health risks, even a little, why wouldn’t we? INVEST IN A SIT-STAND WORKSTATION! Your body will thank you!
