3 Alternatives to Sitting

Living a sedentary life poses too many problems for your health.  Sitting too long is a major culprit to these problems.  Here are a few alternatives you might consider:

1. Standing

The stand-up desk is not as new as you might think, although its most common use is at hotel and restaurant receptions. However, with the move to healthier work environments, many offices and workers are opting to use stand-up desks. They are available in many different designs, materials, and styles and may be customized to accommodate different office equipment.

2. Kneeling Chairs

Kneeling chairs are chairs designed to allow the thighs to maintain a slightly diagonal, narrower angle of 60-70 degrees (as opposed to the more common chairs that allow a 90-degree angle for the thighs). Cushioned knee pads are built into the chair facing the seat at a lower height. In effect, the sitter’s weight is supported by the thighs and knees while the back, specifically the lumbar region, is kept at the proper curved position. The chairs may come with or without a backrest.

3. Exercise Ball

An exercise ball provides an unstable seating surface, so the sitter is encouraged to adjust his or her body constantly, albeit incrementally. With no chair, back to slouch into or armrests to lean on, you're almost forced to keep your back straight, and you constantly engage the core abdominal muscles. Stronger ab muscles protect the lower back and promote better posture, make sure you use the proper size ball so that you're able to reach your keyboard and see your screen with proper alignment.