Past Issues of Fit to Work
Hey, Team!
Welcome to Fit to Work. Thank you for being here!
Let’s dive right in and talk about something every desk worker has experienced: sitting. Lots and lots of sitting.
“Sitting is the new smoking,” they said.
“Get a standing desk or perish,” they said.
Now I am the proud owner of an awkwardly heavy desk that I—obviously—responsibly raise for two to three hours of perfect-postured, super-focused work every day!
Haha; juuuuuust kidding.
I did buy my adjustable desk with the best of intentions. But I might feel around for the dusty button once a month or so, mostly when I want to keep the cat from sitting on my lap
(Is the whrrrr of a rising desk the dial-up tone or Skype chime for a new generation?)
If you’re in this boat with me, don’t beat yourself up. Because it sounds like the actual problem is remaining in one position for a long time, not so much whether you’re sitting or standing.
Various studies conclude that changing your position—from small shifts to big ones like standing or kneeling—numerous times per hour can significantly dial down physical discomfort. (Fidgeters, rejoice!)
So, no, you can’t just adopt a permanent shrimp slouch without repercussions.
Think about what your muscles are doing when you sit in one position. Your glutes and quads are perpetually elongated, and your hip flexors and hamstrings are consistently shortened. Is it any wonder our bottoms go numb and the backs of our thighs scream when we try to touch our toes?
Instead of trying to make yourself stand for hours—which probably isn’t any better, especially when you factor in the hard floors, underdeveloped core muscles, and perpetually hunched shoulders that plague so many of us—start by simply expanding your slouching repertoire!
Work-Friendly Fix:
Rather than trying to force yourself to stand while you work, prioritize shifting positions in general. Better yet, set an ongoing 20-minute timer. Get up, shake it out, and grab a glass of water (because you’re probably not drinking enough).
You got this, fellow desker.
Shannon
P.S.
Need a digital “mom” moment to make you sit up straighter at your desk?
Several studies have found that posture can affect both self-esteem and positive mood! This Forbes article rounds up some of the research.