I started working full time on computers back in 1994. That means I’ve been sitting for like 12 years straight and as a result put on some extra weight. A few years ago I started on the job of getting back in to shape and either hit the treadmill or bike 6-7 days a week and eating right. It works too, I lost 40 pounds so far and have another 25-30 to go before I’m happy and healthy. But I don’t think that’s enough. I’ve been reading up being healthy more and more and many articles are suggesting a link between sitting for long periods and disease. Working out daily isn’t enough to combat the effects of being an office potato.

One of the trends I’m seeing is sit / stand desks. Man I love that idea. At one of my old jobs I was a PC tech and we had work benches that were perfect for sanding up and working. We had taller chairs, more like stools with backs, that you could use to lean on or even sti for a bit if you liked but mostly we stood. Standing just seems more alive, more alert. So I’m looking into getting a new desk in a few months that’s got a motorized sit / stand setup. Ikea used to have a model that ran about $500 bucks but they no longer carry it. The cheapest ones I can find these days are around $1200-$2000 bucks. While that’s a big chunk of change it’s a small price to pay to be healthier. The advantage of the sit / stand desk means I can sit when I need to. Sometimes it’s just better to sit and we all need a break.

Technorati Tags: Ergonomics, Sit / Stand Desk, Office Health