Sitting vs. Standing In The Workplace

The controversy around sitting or standing while at work continues to grow. While many people firmly believe that the sitting disease will cause serious health issues (if it hasn't already), others think differently.

Worried that too much sitting could seriously affect one’s health, many companies took measures into their own hands and purchased sit/stand desks to prevent or even reverse these effects. However, occupational health specialists urge people to understand that standing all day isn’t the answer, either. Some say the solution is a chair that prevents the curvature of the spine, backaches, and varicose veins—ultimately, a chair that finds a balance between sitting and standing.

Many people today are eager to believe that standing is best for them because it will help to reduce their weight. Yes, standing may burn more calories than sitting down, but standing could also strain your veins and backs. While there are many studies to show that standing is best for your body as opposed to sitting, there is no clear-cut answer.

Sitting is inevitable for students, especially those who attend classes online. While too much standing has its problems, sitting for too long, poses other risks that can’t be ignored. Students looking to find a balance between sitting and standing should consider these tips from Alan Hedge, a design and ergonomics professor at Cornell University

• Change positions regularly
• Sit for no more than 20 minutes at a time
• Stand in one position for no more than 8 minutes
• Take a two-minute moving break at least twice an hour to stretch and walk around
• Stretch even when sitting