Get Out Of That Chair

[Andrew A.]

http://runsmartproject.com/coaching/2010/08/30/born-to-rest/

[Ed]

This solidfies what I was thinking.  But how do I get out of the chair at work?  The computer is used nearly all 8 hours of my work day.
 
I was looking at the computer desk that is retro fitted to combine the desk with a T-mill.  But my boss would never go for it.  Time for a new boss.   

[ksrunner]

I've thought that it would be nice to have a workstation where the work surface was at a height suitable for standing. I had thought perhaps that I would have a tall chair where I could alternate between sitting or standing, but the tall chair wouldn't be necessary. In my current cube, there are cabinets above two work surfaces, but there are two surfaces that I could have raised assuming it won't cause any structural issues. I could work at the raised work surfaces and then sit to eat lunch -- though lunch time is usually when I visit Hillrunner.com.

[Andrew A.]

A friend of mine who has hip issues from sitting for a long time got one of those kneeling chairs to use at work.  ksrunner seems to have a good solution.  Standing on a wobble board or a balance bubble might be something to consider, as well.  A work surface that could be easily raised (as a desk chair could be raised) to a comfortable standing height - and lowered for taking seated breaks - would perhaps be ideal.  If nothing else, frequent bathroom breaks (are you hydrating?)  and routine alteration of seating position (a little higher, a little lower, a little closer, a little further away, feet up on a box, feet down on the floor, feet on a slant board) would be an improvement. 

[ksrunner]

I talked to the head of facilities yesterday. He said that he wasn't sure if the cube furniture would support it. There are several different styles of furniture in the building. I've researched some options for a device to raise a keyboard tray and monitor to either seated or standing heights. Those can be fairly expensive, but would be the preferred solution since that would allow quick transition between sitting or standing. If I raise two of my work surfaces, I would need to move my laptop to one of the lower surfaces in order to switch between sitting and standing.

I doubt that I am prepared to stand all day. I do experience some back pain (middle/upper back) at home if I am helping my wife in the kitchen and standing in front of the sink for a long time, but I wonder if this problem will become less if I acclimate myself to additional time standing.

[Ed]

Just as in running if you build up the amount of time you spend standing (ensure proper posture) you will tolerate standing longer and longer without any issues.
 
 

[r-at-work]

one person here in my office has one of those 'kneeling chairs' for his back... another person brought in a stability ball to sit on and another person has a set of pedals under their desk (a runner who believes in 'active' recouperation)...

[Andrew A.]

Completely forgot about the stability ball, which allows a great range of variability in seating position, and the under-desk cycle is a really good idea.

[Ryan]

As I began reading this, I instantly thought of a stability ball as an option that may be a little more widely accepted in a typical office setting. Seems like a great option that would not be all that difficult to implement and would likely receive less resistance from management.