What is a Sedentary Lifestyle?
Are you sitting right now? You probably are. Most people spend at least 6 to 8 hours a day sitting behind a desk at work. Then they go home and sit some more, usually in front of the TV or reading a book, this is called a sedentary lifestyle. According to Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., professor of Behavioral Science at MD Anderson, studies now show that sitting for several hours a day puts a person’s health at risk even if they engage in a regular exercise program.
The health hazards and risks associated with sitting all day are numerous, effecting your joints, muscles, and every part of your body. Remember, your body is the only one you will ever have.
6 Ways to Exercise at Work
Don’t quit your day job as a solution to sitting all the time, but don’t let your body suffer because of a sedentary work life. Making changes throughout your workday can have a big impact on your overall health. Here are six simple changes you can make to improve the health of your daily life.
- Have walking meetings
- Stand or walk while on conference calls
- Print documents on a printer that’s across the office or on another floor
- Take the stairs
- Walk or bike to work
- Walk during your lunch break
Proper Desk Ergonomics
If you do have to sit even for a short time during your workday, what is the right way? The following are some tips to keep in mind when you are sitting, and, in addition to these tips, you may want to support your lower back as needed.
- Don’t lean forward at your desk
- Your shoulders should be relaxed
- Keep your arms close to your sides
- Bend your elbows at 90 degrees
- Keep feet flat on the floor
Another step you can take is to consider a healthier desk alternative. There are now combination sit/stand desks available for any office environment no matter the shape or size. Some of them are singular desk solutions and others are a modular design allowing you to sit and stand throughout the day. These allow you the ease of adding physical activity to the workplace while still completing all your daily tasks, making you more productive overall. Keep in mind you will also want to consider ergonomics when selecting a desk alternative.
“Working from an upright position uses more muscles, expends more energy and burns more calories than sitting,” Basen-Engquist said. At Advanced Furniture Solutions, we believe getting a sit/stand desk is a win-win. It’s a health-improving option that costs very little. We believe there will be an increasing number of employers who will invest $1,000 or $2,000 in outfitting a persons’ workstation. The employer benefits from the employee being active and healthy, as well as improved blood flow to the brain, which certainly could affect employee performance.
Stop by our Design Center and Showroom at 9542 Philips Hwy, Suite 7, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or give us a call at 904-398-0807. The many health benefits involved with sit-stand workstations and other ergonomic solutions are clear. Come in and let one of our Expert Furniture Consultants show you several options we have available and help you find one that is perfect for you! Advanced Furniture Solutions