Move From a Standard Office Desk to a Standing Desk

Did you know that today most Americans spend more than half of their waking hour sitting down? Think about all the time you spend driving, eating, watching TV, and working at your desk. More than likely this outweighs the time you spend walking, running, or standing. Although most of us can’t decrease the time we spend working, we can change how we work in order to create a healthier working environment for our bodies.

Recently, standing desks have become a fad—and for good reason! When our bodies get used to sitting for long periods of time, drastic changes within our bodies take place. Not only does marathon sitting change our body’s metabolism, it also makes us more vulnerable to heart attacks and increases our risk of diabetes, heart disease, and can also lead to a variety of cancers. Shockingly, “Women who sit more than 6 hours a day are 37% more likely to die prematurely than women who sit for less than 3 hours a day.” (Lukach). Unfortunately, even if you’re an avid gym goer, these drawbacks of long-duration sitting can’t necessarily be reversed. No matter how hard you workout after you get out of the office, if you spent most of your day stuck in a chair you too will be at risk.

The best way to protect your body and health is to make minor changes throughout your daily routine. Start off by making sure you take minor breaks from sitting once an hour. Just standing up for 5 minutes will break up your sitting regime and change the blood flow within your body. Another option would be to recreate your environment. If you are unable to purchase a standing desk—make one! Simply stack boxes on your desk and place your computer and/or papers on top of the boxes. Another option would be to relocate your work to a higher counter, like the kitchen counter. However, if you can afford to purchase a standing desk, definitely do so! Not only will it help your health but it will also make working more efficient. While working, you will burn more calories, stay focused for longer, and remain more attentive throughout your day. Our ergonomic experts at E3 Consulting Corporation recommend the Kangaroo Pro Junior as the best standing desk. The Kangaroo Pro Desk makes converting from a standard desk to a standing desk an easy transition because it simply just sits on top of a standard desk.

To find out more information on the benefits of standing desks and the right option for you, contact E3 Consulting Corporation today!

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/05/ditch-your-office-chair-for-a-new-standing-desk/