To follow up with Wednesday’s post about the myths surrounding “good” and “bad” posture, we’ve found an infographic about how to achieve better posture. …Read More
To follow up with Wednesday’s post about the myths surrounding “good” and “bad” posture, we’ve found an infographic about how to achieve better posture. …Read More
Everyone is familiar with bad posture and how it can negatively affect the body. Slouching, hunching and fidgeting leads to back pain, an unattractive spinal curve, and even scoliosis—or does it? …Read More
So you have your adjustable height desk or standing desk, you have your adjustable keyboard tray, and yet … you still feel like you could be more comfortable and more aligned. So what can you do besides stack your monitor on a pile of shoe boxes?
In our last post we told you why good posture is important, both for your health and your looks and confidence. Today we thought we’d go over what exactly good posture looks like. This will be important with an adjustable height desk, because good posture is key whether you’re sitting, standing, or on the move. Check it out.
Sitting: If you have your adjustable height desk in a seated position, or perhaps you’re sitting on the bus, or even in your car—here is the perfect posture for optimal breathing, digestion, and muscle development. Sit with your shoulders and back straight. Your legs should be at a 90 degree angle to your body, and be sure to keep your neck, back, and heels in alignment. If you start feeling like slouching at your adjustable height desk, just adjust it and stand up!
Standing: Okay, speaking of standing, here’s how you should do it: Hold your head up straight and chin slightly tucked in. Keep your shoulder blades back, your chest forward, and your stomach tucked in. Keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet (not your toes or heels) and let your arms dangle down naturally. If you’re at your adjustable height desk using the keyboard, your forearms should be parallel to the floor and your wrists should be bent down slightly to type.
Lifting: If you need to lift something off the ground, bend at the knees and use your leg muscles to do most of the work—not your back. When you bend at the waist to lift something, your back is doing all the work and that’s a good way to pull something (trust me!)
Keep your spine straight: This is more of a general rule. Be mindful of your spine when you’re standing or sitting at your adjustable height desk, when you’re moving around, or even when moving something. Awareness is key. The more attention you pay to your posture, the better it will be!
So remember these positions when you’re sitting, standing, lifting, or just living. And be sure to check out our next post with some great tips, stretches, and exercises for getting and maintaining that perfect posture.
Do you use an adjustable height desk? Have you noticed a difference in how your back feels? Share your thoughts below!
Xdesk is an advocate of good posture. With sit to stand desks like these, you’re not only working on your posture when you’re standing up—you’re strengthening the muscles in your back so your posture improves when you sit down. Of course maintaining good posture isn’t an easy job, even with a sit to stand desk. You need to be aware of how you’re standing, mindful of any tension in your shoulders or back, and most of all you need to practice. Remember the old saying, “practice makes perfect?” Well it is true for good posture, too. Practice good posture when you’re standing and sitting at your adjustable height desk and before you know it, it will become habit.
But good posture should go beyond just practicing behind your sit to stand desk. That’s why in the next few posts, we’re going to give you the rundown on good posture—why you want it, how to get it, and tips for maintaining it, no matter where you are.
Today, we’ll start with the basics. Here are five reasons why good posture is so important:
1) Standing and sitting correctly prevents back strain and overuse, and helps prevent back, neck, and muscle pain.
2) Good posture helps the muscles work more efficiently, which will help prevent fatigue
3) Good posture allows better breathing, which provides oxygen to your body and your brain. This is so important during the day, especially at work, when you need your brain to be awake and productive!
4) Standing properly makes you look slimmer, stronger, and healthier. And who doesn’t want that?
5) Good posture makes you look confident. Even if you’re not feeling confident at the moment, if you stand tall with your head held high, you’ll look like you own the room. And if you practice good posture, soon enough you’ll feel just as confident as you look.
Sit to stand desks are just one great way to practice good posture during the day. Check out our next post with some other ideas!
Do you use a sit to stand desk at work? How has it affected your posture?
We always talk about the negative health effects of sitting. The facts are pretty dismal,
The internet has picked up a study recently with flashy headlines saying that standing desks