Research is starting to show that what is more dangerous to our health than not exercising is not moving. It's not hard to avoid moving when you think about it: you drive to work, sit at your desk all day, drive home, order some delivery....if you really wanted to, you could probably do without standing up every again. Our technology is getting that good. The only consequence is that your health will probably take a turn for the worse.
Simple changes can make a difference, like walking where you would normally drive, taking the stairs over the elevator...but one thing you may not have thought about is your desk. Some people work jobs where they rarely leave their desk, even work through their lunch. This can lead to back strain, muscle weakness and of course excessive inactivity.
So maybe it's time to look at an alternative desk option.
Simple changes can make a difference, like walking where you would normally drive, taking the stairs over the elevator...but one thing you may not have thought about is your desk. Some people work jobs where they rarely leave their desk, even work through their lunch. This can lead to back strain, muscle weakness and of course excessive inactivity.
So maybe it's time to look at an alternative desk option.
Balls chairs: They are exactly what they sound like. Extra large stability balls take the place of your desk chair:
The benefit: your core will be activated the entire time you are on the ball, helping to keep you in good posture. If you slouch, you'll probably fall off.
The potential problem: Sitting too long on a ball can still have it's consequences. If you have a weak core, it could put a lot of strain on your spine, leading to other back problems.
The benefit: your core will be activated the entire time you are on the ball, helping to keep you in good posture. If you slouch, you'll probably fall off.
The potential problem: Sitting too long on a ball can still have it's consequences. If you have a weak core, it could put a lot of strain on your spine, leading to other back problems.
Standing desks: New ergonomic technology is allowing people to move their computers and desks up so that they can stand while working.
The benefit: A whole lot less sitting and you can move around a bit.
The potential problem: If you have joint pain in your knees, hips or ankles, this position could get uncomfortable after a while. Have a desk that adjusts back to normal so you can alternate between might fix this.
The benefit: A whole lot less sitting and you can move around a bit.
The potential problem: If you have joint pain in your knees, hips or ankles, this position could get uncomfortable after a while. Have a desk that adjusts back to normal so you can alternate between might fix this.
Tredmill Desk: Not as popular, but some companies and CEOs have put moving sidewalks under their standing desks allowing them to walk while working.
The benefit: More exercise!
The potential problem: Hope you don't space out because you might go for an unexpected ride if you didn't turn it off.
The benefit: More exercise!
The potential problem: Hope you don't space out because you might go for an unexpected ride if you didn't turn it off.
Has anyone tried any of these desk styles? What is your preference?
RSS Feed
