Another blog for Backcare Awareness Week…

TIP: Study or work standing up. Use a height-adjustable desk.

I have been using my height adjustable desk for 10 months now. I have wanted one of these for quite some time as I am aware of the benefits of sitting less and standing more in the work environment.  I have worked at CCCU for 3 years now and in my previous job was far more active during the working day. I noticed that despite doing the same amount of exercise/physical activity outside of working hours and with no change in my eating habits, I had gained weight over the 3 years and my blood pressure had risen slightly. I considered that this may be down to the fact that I spent several hours sitting at a desk each day and therefore could see the potential benefits of using a standing desk.

I adjust the height 2-3 times per day. I would stand typically for 1.5-2 hours at a time. The rest of time is spent sitting, but I try to break this up with regular walks to other offices, the photocopier, etc.  The desk is incredibly easy to use; it takes only seconds to change the height.

The only challenge that I have faced was when the desk broke and was stuck at an angle for a couple of days! But that was soon fixed.

Since using the standing desk, I have noticed that I am generally more active during the working day and am more aware of the amount of time I spend sitting. I have lost weight, although this has taken time, and my blood pressure has reduced slightly. The most improvement that I have noticed is regarding hip and back pain. At the end of a day when I was sitting all day I always felt uncomfortable/stiff in my hips and back. I no longer experience this, which makes a big difference.

I would highly recommend the standing desks. You choose how long you sit/stand for (standing all day wouldn’t be good either!). I personally think they should be standard office furniture!

Gail Sheppard
Programme Director, Health Studies
School of Public Health, Midwifery and Social Work