Standing Desks

Two large scientific studies have shown that the more time you spend sitting down, the more likely you are to die early, particularly of heart disease. The studies show no difference in results based on the test subjects' weight, gender, race, education level, or smoking and non-smoking habits. It also made no difference if the test subjects exercised regularly at different times during their day.

If your work requires you to be sedentary for most of your day, you may want to consider using a standing desk in one- to two-hour time blocks. Standing allows your body to adjust and move about, while flexing your muscles continuously. It also assists in blood circulation and helps burn more calories. Keep the following tips in mind when setting up a standing desk:

• The table height should be at or slightly below elbow-height.
• The monitor should be positioned so the top is just below eye-level.
• A low footstool can be helpful to rest one foot while the other is flat on the floor.
• An anti-fatigue mat should be placed where you will stand to reduce strain on your back and feet.

A standup desk should be used in blocks of two hours or less to reduce the chance of sore feet or back fatigue. Users should avoid using a standup desk while wearing high heels. Footwear should be comfortable and provide proper arch support.

To learn more about Office Ergonomics visit our Office Ergonomics Online Training web page.