Stand-Up Workstations

Did you know that sitting for long periods of time has been linked with a variety of adverse health effects including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer?  Furthermore, newer research shows that regular exercise may not necessarily counter the effects of prolonged sitting or a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, in 2013, the American Medical Association adopted a new policy on sitting in the workplace encouraging employers to make alternative options to sitting available such as Stand-Up workstations.

Some of the benefits of introducing a Stand-Up workstation include: burning more calories throughout the day, better sleep, improved blood circulation, and some people claim they have more energy.

If you choose a stand-up position, there are a couple of things to consider:

• Stand with toes and hips pointing towards your desk; engage gluteal and abdominal muscles
• Raise computer screen or desk so that it is at eye level
• Shoulders should remain relaxed and arms should hang normally at the sides of the body
• Change your position often; take a short walk every hour, stretch throughout the day

For more information, check out our video on the ACI CORE Wellness YouTube channel.

Sources: OSHA.gov; mayoclinic.com