I’m not sure how much control over my desk at work I have. What I’ve been considering for home, though, is one of those exercise balls that force you to use some muscles while sitting. Not sure how that compares to actually standing the whole time.
I tried a halfway solution, one of those round inserts you can put on an office chair, and it actually made my posture much worse. Standing desk would be tough for me where I work, and I tend to stick out my hip and lean to one side when standing for long periods.
But the ball was great. I think the primary mechanism for posture is that it makes me notice immediately when I’m slouching, since it’s uncomfortable when I do so (while on a normal soft chair slouching is relaxing).
The first day on the ball I could only handle a couple of hours, and my legs were sore for a few days afterwards. But after day 3 it was no more difficult than sitting in a chair, and less difficult than sitting up in a chair. If you try it and after a week or so you don’t feel good, then it’s probably not for you.
I started using a standing desk at home about a year ago. It may have benefited my posture some, but the most worthwhile benefit is that I don’t “zone out” while standing, and have stopped loosing hours on the internet. It’s still comfortable enough for long periods, but I no longer spend long periods on the computer unless I really intended to in the first place.
Everyone I’ve seen try to adopt one of those balls has given it up relatively soon. I’m not sure it’s worth it, unless you can try one free to see if it works for you over an extended period of time.
As for desk, I’ve read a lot on desks a year or so ago, when trying to make a case to my boss for a better chair/desk. While unsuccessful in changing anything myself, the research I did ended up pointing to adjustable standing/sitting desks as being best if you can finagle one. Standing is generally better for you, but you will be better off if you can change your posture by taking a sitting break now and again. Also useful for eating lunch at your desk, for instance.
On #1 you may consider adopting a standing desk. Standing while working improves your posture and also is a form of mild exercise.
I’m not sure how much control over my desk at work I have. What I’ve been considering for home, though, is one of those exercise balls that force you to use some muscles while sitting. Not sure how that compares to actually standing the whole time.
Exercise ball worked well for me.
I tried a halfway solution, one of those round inserts you can put on an office chair, and it actually made my posture much worse. Standing desk would be tough for me where I work, and I tend to stick out my hip and lean to one side when standing for long periods.
But the ball was great. I think the primary mechanism for posture is that it makes me notice immediately when I’m slouching, since it’s uncomfortable when I do so (while on a normal soft chair slouching is relaxing).
The first day on the ball I could only handle a couple of hours, and my legs were sore for a few days afterwards. But after day 3 it was no more difficult than sitting in a chair, and less difficult than sitting up in a chair. If you try it and after a week or so you don’t feel good, then it’s probably not for you.
I started using a standing desk at home about a year ago. It may have benefited my posture some, but the most worthwhile benefit is that I don’t “zone out” while standing, and have stopped loosing hours on the internet. It’s still comfortable enough for long periods, but I no longer spend long periods on the computer unless I really intended to in the first place.
Everyone I’ve seen try to adopt one of those balls has given it up relatively soon. I’m not sure it’s worth it, unless you can try one free to see if it works for you over an extended period of time.
As for desk, I’ve read a lot on desks a year or so ago, when trying to make a case to my boss for a better chair/desk. While unsuccessful in changing anything myself, the research I did ended up pointing to adjustable standing/sitting desks as being best if you can finagle one. Standing is generally better for you, but you will be better off if you can change your posture by taking a sitting break now and again. Also useful for eating lunch at your desk, for instance.