{"id":6307,"date":"2015-11-17T15:12:14","date_gmt":"2015-11-17T04:12:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/asia-en\/?p=6307"},"modified":"2023-02-09T20:13:13","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T09:13:13","slug":"sitting-isnt-issue-static","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/asia-en\/research\/articles\/topics\/wellbeing\/sitting-isnt-issue-static\/","title":{"rendered":"Sitting Isn\u2019t the Issue\u2014Static Is"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Ken Tameling<\/em><\/p>\n

Our vilification of sitting has gone too far. The simple truth is that sitting isn\u2019t \u201ccancer\u201d and it\u2019s not killing us. Sitting is an important part of the day, and one that we cannot practically\u2014and shouldn\u2019t want to\u2014eliminate. In some cases, it\u2019s \u201chow\u201d we might sit, in static postures all day, and the length of time that we sit in those static postures that is impacting our wellbeing and productivity.<\/p>\n

Rather than focusing on sitting as a problem, we should have a broader view\u2014that a healthy day finds a balance between sitting, standing, and walking. <\/strong><\/p>\n

This sit, stand, walk philosophy embraces the idea that our bodies aren\u2019t meant to stay in just one posture, and reminds me to keep moving between work zones during the day. My colleagues\u2019 research shows<\/a> that having a palette, or variety, of places to work\u2014and postures to choose from\u2014encourages wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Movement during the day shouldn\u2019t only happen when we change, say, from sit to stand. It is also critically important to move while sitting or standing. Active sitting can mean moving into a range of healthy seated postures\u2014reclining for example. Active standing can mean slightly shifting your weight or propping a foot on a foot support. The key is to avoid holding a static posture for a long period of time. You really need to move and mix it up!<\/p>\n

Movement during the day isn\u2019t just critical for physical wellbeing. Recent headlines in The Wall Street Journal and elsewhere speak of the many benefits on a neurological level. We become more engaged, more creative, and more productive when we incorporate movement and activity in our day.<\/p>\n

A Prescription for a Healthy Work Day<\/h2>\n

Sitting: <\/strong>Sitting allows us to deeply engage in focus work. Make sure you have a chair that allows you to move in a range of healthy seated postures. Your chair should allow you to recline and keep you within your \u201cvision and reach\u201d zone when using desk-based technology like a laptop. Your chair should also provide arm support that allows you to keep a tablet or smartphone at eye level, preventing \u201cText Neck.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know that sitting…<\/p>\n