Scientific studies have found that long periods of inactivity can cause physical problems for people, even if they exercise daily.
While sitting at a desk for hours on end working diligently can increase chances of getting a promotion — it can also increase chances of developing heart disease. Too much sitting can result in the accumulation of plaque deposits in arteries and the inflammation that accompanies it. In addition, it’s been linked to the development of insulin resistance associated with developing diabetes. The American Institute for Cancer Research links prolonged sitting with increased risk of both breast and colon cancers, and other studies have shown a correlation between prolonged sitting and depression.
Because the “sitting disease” is so prevalent, the American Medical Association — the nation’s largest physician organization — voted June 18, 2013, during its Annual Meeting to adopt a policy recognizing potential risks of prolonged sitting. Its members encourage employers, employees and others to make available alternatives to sitting, such as standing work stations and isometric balls.
Standing increases energy, burns extra calories, tones muscles, improves posture, increases blood flow and ramps up metabolism. However, standing for long periods of time can cause lower back pain and varicose veins.
When using a standing desk, it’s important to take sitting breaks, wear anti-fatigue footwear, stand on a padded mat to reduce stress on feet and legs, and place a footrest under the desk to rest one foot at a time on it to give each foot a break during the day.
If a standing desk isn’t a good fit, employees can buy and bring in devices to increase activity during the work day such as under-the-desk stair-steppers or cycles that allow lower-body movement while typing; or a stability ball to sit on instead of a chair, which creates movement by engaging the body’s core muscles. Setting a timer and doing periodic stretches or taking short walks also increases activity.
Although I still sit at a desk at work all day (I’m a writer), I bought a stand-up desk for about $200 a year or so ago for my home, and enjoying the benefits of standing while using it there in the evenings and on weekends. And — believe me — having to stand has cut down on my web surfing dramatically!
—
To read posts about my other athletic activities, see:
- Polga (Yoga and Pole Dancing) Awesomeness
- Exotic Chair Dancing: Not Your Grandma’s Exercise Routine
- Dragon Boating: A Unique and Fun Team Sport
- Ping Pong: Not Ready for the Olympics
- How to Add a Low-Cost Reading Rack to Your Treadmill to Make Walking More Fun
- Sports and Hobbies: How Many Can You Squeeze into a Lifetime? 79 So Far…
- Zumba is Exhilarating
- Stand up Computer Desks: Take a Load Off your Seat
- Take a Load Off Your Seat #2: Adjustable Stand-up and DIY Cycling Desks
- Confessions of an Adult Learning to Swim
- Nothing Makes You Feel Better than a BODY PUMP Workout
- How to Add a Reading Rack to a Treadmill
- Fitness Fun with FitBit
- Fitbit Fun — 10 Months Later
- Don’t Lose Your Fitbit! A Fabulous Fitbit Accessory to Keep the Clasp from Opening
- Fitbit Charge Review (New Product to Replace Fitbit Force)
- Stand-up Paddleboarding: Testing the Water
- Do-it-Yourself Cooling Towels for Summer’s Hottest Days
- Regal Princess Review: Top 20 Amenities
I’m working on getting stability discs for the computer lab at school. I think they will make a huge difference for the 671 elementary students I teach each week. I’m looking into getting a stability ball for my desk. The kids will love it when I fall off. LOL
What are stability discs? You’re pretty brave to use the stability ball! 🙂
Pingback: The High and Low List for June 2014 | Thoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Take a Load Off Your Seat #2: Stand up Computer DesksThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: An Embarrassing Childhood StoryThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Polga (Yoga and Pole Dancing) AwesomenessThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Stand Up Paddleboarding: Testing the Water - Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: How to Add a Reading Rack to a TreadmillThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Walking Clubs: Exercise, Enjoy the Outdoors, Meet New PeopleThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Nothing Makes You Feel Better than a BODY PUMP WorkoutThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Fun with Fitbit -- Ten Months LaterThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Chair Dancing: Not Your Grandma's ExerciseThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Unique Yoga ClassesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Fitbit Fun: 22 Months LaterThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Fitness Fun with FitbitThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Fitbit Charge ReviewThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Zumba is Exhilarating! — Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Fitbling: A Fun Fitbit Accessory — Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: 7 Things You May Not Know about Fitbit — Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Weight Watchers Now: Wow! — Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: stand-up computer desks: great way to get healthier while using the computerThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: 2017 Life GoalsThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Confessions of an Adult Learning to SwimThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Escape Room A Unique and Interesting Night Out with FriendsThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Fun New Fitness Activity - Disc Golfing with FrisbeesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Women's Kayaking and Hiking Weekend: Wonderful Except for the Near-Death ExperienceThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: I Am the Woman I Am Today Because My Mother... — Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales
Pingback: Rage Room: Relieve Stress, Stop Being a Good Girl — Thoughts, Tips and TalesThoughts, Tips and Tales