Why You Should Try Standing at Your Computer
Recently, there have been a string of studies, articles, and infographics warning us about the dangers of sitting for prolonged periods of time. Prolonged sitting can cause metabolic distress leading to heart problems, as well as spinal pain caused by poor posture. Unfortunately, most jobs require sitting at a computer desk for 8-10 hour days. To counteract these effects and still get work done, standing desks have recently been gaining a lot of popularity. Let?s look at some of the advantages and how you can implement standing into your daily routine.
- Better Posture: When you switch to a standing desk, your body will have to utilize the muscles in your back and core to maintain balance. When seated, the chair does the work and causes your body to slouch, rounding out the back in an unhealthy way. Standing improves posture and strengthens your core.
- Increased Energy: When you stand, blood flows more naturally through your body. This means increased blood flow to your brain allowing you to feel more energized and focused. This also means you have greater productivity.?
- Calorie Burn: Replacing your desk chair in favor of standing can help you burn up to 33% more calories a day. This extra burn can help you lose a few excess pounds (though nothing replaces the gym and avoiding cheap, unhealthy food).?
Disclaimer: Standing has a lot of benefits, but it can still be hard on your feet and back. Invest in floor mats and supportive shoes to take the pressure off. Also, while standing is better than sitting, holding any position for an extended period of time can be bad for you so try to switch it up by moving/walking every hour or so and having a sitting option readily available. Variety is the spice of life. Finally, consult with your physician first to make sure you don?t have any conditions that could get worse from extended standing.?
