There is too much talk going around about how sitting is similar to smoking and its adverse effects on human health. But how many pay enough attention to keep track of their sitting hours.
Studies have shown that a regular office worker sits for a staggering 15 hours a day. That is why standing desks are becoming increasingly popular as they reverse the detrimental effects of sitting.
Knowing more about the benefits standing helps one to be committed and motivated to make it a habit. So here are some of the benefits of standing:
- Standing Minimises Weight Gain
The body is capable of burning the calories faster if one is standing compared to sitting. A sedentary lifestyle is a killer as it invariably leads to weight gain. There can be a considerable difference if one stands for even six hours a day. It reduces the risk of contracting lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
A study measured the waist circumference, fat percentage, and BMI of individuals and found that men who stood for over six hours have their chances to be obese reduced by 59%. In women, it led to a 35% reduced chance.
- Standing Improves Mood and Energy Levels
One can notice the effect of standing while working on their own. And there will be a considerable improvement in mood, energy, collaborative working and creativity. Moreover, those who used standing desks reported lesser fatigue and stress rates than those who sat.
In a study conducted over a period of seven weeks, some participants received combined sit-stand devices to work while the others did not. The study analysed risk factors and behavioural modifications based on the responses.
The study found that the experiment reduced back and neck pain in those who previously spent time sitting. As soon as these devices went out of the equation, so did these effects.
- Boosts Productivity
In a study involving call centre agents, the results showed that those who used standing devices marked an increase in productivity. They were more productive than their sitting counterparts.
This result was an analysis based on the comparison, and the people who used standing desks were 45% better at productivity. The rates significantly increased from 23% to 53% in six months.
- Standing Tones Muscles
Everybody loves a toned physique. An athletic figure is not just visually excellent but also healthy. Standing helps achieve this peak physical stature as it strengthens core muscles, foot, ankle, and leg muscles. It also remarkably improves posture and balance.
Sitting with the right posture is vital, and more often than not, people assume an incorrect posture while sitting at their desks for too long. They hunch, slink or crouch in their seats. It puts pressure on their neck muscles and the spine.
Standing with the right posture is a proven way to tone and strengthen one’s body. To check if one has the correct posture, start by standing upright with feet shoulder-width apart. Tuck the tailbone in, straighten the neck, push the shoulders towards the back, and the head should be held high. It not only tones the muscles but also improves metabolic functions.
Most of Australia’s lifestyle diseases today are a direct cause of a sedentary lifestyle (in effect, sitting). It is the killer; hence it should be avoided. And a standing desk is one of the simplest, cost-effective ways to attain this.
Author: Jeannie Mai
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