Breaking Sedentary Habits Through Vertical Work Stations

by Michelle Discavage

Today I bring you practical tips to break your life of sedentary habits.

I think we all know that prolonged periods of sitting and sedentary lifestyles are not in our best interest. We know we should be exercising, lifting weights, and eating well. Right? But did you know that in the January 18, 2011, edition of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, it was written that people who spend more than four hours per day in a sitting position are 125 per cent more likely to suffer from heart disease than those who spend less than two hours sitting?

The study of 4,512 adults in Scotland reveals that not even exercise can make up for too much time sitting. Those who exercise regularly but still spent significant amounts of time sitting face the same consequences as those who rarely exercise.

Oh gracious. Worried now?

While we know that those who are sedentary typically partake in other unhealthy behaviors, another factor in this risk is that the body needs to be mobile in order to function properly. The body’s ability to break down sugars and fats, for example, is impacted by the amount of moving around a person does. Immobility limits your bodies ability to accomplish these tasks.

One way to overcome this is by utilizing a vertical workstation (like those found here or here.) The one pictured below is one my husband designed on his own. We considered having one built, but found it to be easier and more cost efficient to piece together items he found on Amazon.

He simply took measurements to determine what height he would need so the monitor would be at eye level and to ensure the keyboard would be the appropriate height.  Once he had those measurements, he went online and found items that would suffice, and even grabbed a step bench from our closet to help in his desk transformation.  Genius.

Create your own vertical work environment to whatever suits your needs and budget.  You will feel better, will have used your muscles more, allowed your body to function properly, and decrease your heart disease risks.

*Statistical data and research information found here.