Standing v. Sitting @ workstation

BubbaBriggs
BubbaBriggs Posts: 8 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I've been looking into converting my workspace into a standing only workstation. As I work with electronics on a daily basis, at least 80% of my day is spent sitting at my workstation doing intricate, small detail work. If I'm called out to one of the floors, I tend to stand most of the time while completing that particular repair.

I've done some research into this, and based on my uneducated guesses, it looks like I would actually burn more calories in a day at a standing workstation, than sitting. I wanted to get the community's general consensus on whether a standing station is actually better overall, calories burned is simply a plus, as I also have back and wrist problems, that seem to aggravate more if I'm sitting at the station. I do tend to stand up quite a bit during the day.

Anyway, what are your thoughts, has anyone here actually converted over to a standing station? How are you feeling now, and what flooring would be recommended to alleviate any back aggravations that may come?

Thanks in advance for any input you guys can give!

-B

Replies

  • mdizzle99
    mdizzle99 Posts: 169 Member
    Interesting questions. I'm curious to hear other's answers. The desk I have at work is mechanical and can be moved up and down withs some buttons. I sit down 90% of the time but I'm planning on standing more often. My brief research shows that standing is a lot more natural for our bodies and can help with posture. Fixing my posture is a primary goal of mine.

    So I don't have a ton of advice yet, but if possible having an adjustable desk seems like a nice option. I also have some coworkers that have desk treadmills that they walk on a few hours a day as they work with their desks raised. I have no desire to do this but it's an option.
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    Sitting for your average dude is about 2 cal/min. Standing bumps it up to 3 cal/min.
  • knityoupants
    knityoupants Posts: 76 Member
    I'm curious about that as well. I work in an office with just one other person, standing desks aren't really an option, and there isn't a lot to get up and walk around to see (which is office activity advice I hear a lot). I do push ups or jumping jacks on occasion when my coworker is out.

    Anyone else have advice on how to stay active at the office? I would love to see the standard work environment move away from this s*** in the future. I think it's a big part of why so many people dislike their jobs... such unhealthy monotony.
  • huneycutt13
    huneycutt13 Posts: 22 Member
    I used to be a teacher and stood for about 90% of my workday. I now have a desk job and I noticed a definite increase in weight gain by going from standing to sitting most of the day. If you are wanting to stand it has its own problems - I worked on tile and noticed significant foot, back, knee problems till I found a good pair of shoes. Invest in a good quality shoe is the best thing you can do. It will improve any pain and also posture. I recommend staying away from tile/concrete if you are going to stand all day and opt for a more cushioning flooring. I miss being able to stand and I usually get up for short walks throughout the day.

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