Does it make you sick to think about how many hours you have spent sitting at your desk? Let’s say you work 40 hours a week at a desk job for 30 years or so – that’s about 90,000 hours of sitting! Being this sedentary can be detrimental to your health. So what’s the solution? A standing desk is a great option. It doesn’t take much adjustment and you’ll reap the benefits instantly. If you’re ready to stand up (literally) against sitting soreness, consider these tips.
Take It Slow
You might be so excited to make up for lost time that you are tempted to stand all day, everyday. But that’s not the best plan. The thing is, sitting for so many years likely weakened your leg muscles. After the first day of standing you might be so sore that you never want to stand and work again. Instead, build up your endurance by standing in intervals throughout the workday.
Find The Best Standing Desk For You
Determine what your day-to-day will look like. If you plan to stand for half an hour and sit for half an hour, you’ll want an electrically adjustable desk. This will allow you to raise the height of your desk with the touch of a button. If you want to stand for the majority of the day, you could get away with using a manually adjustable desk. If you go with this option, you can still sit once and a while, you would just have to find a stool that is the correct height.
Remember Ergonomics
Standing is great, but don’t let ergonomics suffer. You’ll want to keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle. Set up a second monitor or make sure your laptop screen is at a good height so you’re not straining your neck. If your feet start to get fatigued, add a standing mat or a contour mat. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and check your posture frequently.
Step It Up A Notch
If you’re feeling comfortable with a standing desk and ready to take it to the next level, the next step is to add movement! Consider upgrading to an under desk treadmill. If you decide to go with this option, remember these 4 tips to transition from standing to walking. You could also look into an under desk bike.
You don’t have to accept a sedentary lifestyle if you don’t want to. Making the change from sitting to standing might seem small, but studies show can have a big impact on your body and mind. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wish you switched to a standing desk sooner.
