Kneeling vs. Sitting: What’s More Beneficial for Physical Activity at Work
In today’s world, sitting at a desk for long periods of time is the norm. However, this position can lead to serious health problems such as obesity and back pain. It’s been shown that kneeling or squatting at work can be more beneficial than sitting because these positions allow you to move around and push your muscles harder.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how kneeling and squatting will help improve your physical activity while working.
The health risks of sitting all day
Sitting all day is linked to an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The health risks aren’t limited to how sitting for more than three hours a day affects your waistline. According to a University College London Medical School research, sitting more than three hours each day was linked to high cholesterol levels, among other negative effects such as: liver problems; difficulty regulating blood sugar or retaining water (among others).
One recent research review article even went so far as calling sitting “the biggest public health challenge we face today.” This should make us stop and think about what impact this has on our lives before continuing any habits that could contribute towards shortened life spans.
How to make your office more comfortable
The workplace is a very stressful place. Not only do you have to put up with your boss, coworkers and even customers but there’s also the uncomfortable furniture that you have to deal with everyday. Fortunately we live in an era where anything can be remedied by upgrading our office space or just buying new pieces of good quality equipment.
One of the most efficient ways to make your office more comfortable is also by taking breaks and stretching. Studies show that workers who take regular ten minute stretch sessions have less back pain than those who don’t, so it’s important for both health reasons as well as because sitting down all day can eventually lead to serious conditions such as repetitive strain injury (RSI). You should try break rooms or standing up at times throughout each workday–even if you feel fine.
Why you should try kneeling at work
Kneeling at work is a great way to stay productive and spend less time on your feet. It has been shown that kneeling during meetings reduces physical strain, blood pressure levels in the body increase while sitting down which can lead to better mental clarity for workers.
Kneeling is also advantageous since it improves blood flow by increasing pressure around vital organs such as your brain, heart, and lungs, making you feel more refreshed after getting up from these postures.
So instead of sitting down at work, try kneeling or squatting over a pillow. You’ll be far more comfortable than if you were to sit in an office chair all day long and your mind will thank you for it.
Tips for making the transition from sitting to kneeling
It’s never easy making the switch from sitting all day at your desk, but it can be done. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Take small steps by moving just one foot in front of you while standing up right now; don’t worry about how long or short this takes-just try not fall down.
- Move both feet forward until there is space between yourself and whatever object may have been blocking access–this could mean taking a few extra strides if needed.
- Put both hands on either side like someone offering support underneath their knees; kneeling with your feet on the ground is possible.
- If you’re still having trouble, there are even kneeling chairs available for purchase that can help make this transition easier.
There are several advantages you may get from making the transition from sitting at your desk all day. Not only will this adjustment help blood flow and decrease back pains in the future, but for people who tend to hunch over their computers because of chronic discomfort with hunched postures like sciatica, it will also aid in reducing such uncomfortable positions.
So, what’s keeping us from doing it? Some may be concerned that the drawbacks outweigh any potential advantages (and I wouldn’t disagree), but even if standing all day wasn’t an option, most days of sitting at a desk aren’t either – so why not try kneeling before giving up entirely.
Recommendations on what type of mat or cushion is best for kneeling at work
There are a few different types of kneeling pads and cushions to choose from:
- there is carpet for hard surfaces like wood floors as well as fabric materials with padding on top which makes it softer but takes up more space when storing away after use or washing
- then you can consider an inflatable cushion that cradles your knees nicely while still giving off enough support through its built-in air pump system (which requires no batteries)
It’s critical to select the suitable mat or cushion for kneeling at work. Make sure you know which position is most comfortable, but also keep in mind how much space your desk provides.
These recommendations will help keep those joints healthy during long periods at work.
Kneeling Desks
Kneeling desks have been a great idea for decades. They allow you to keep your back healthy while also spending time working on the floor and being less self-conscious about what’s going underneath us.
Knee-to-ground kneeling is an effective exercise technique because it allows you rest while maintaining correct posture without hunching over or sprawling out in front of your desk all day long. With this position taken care off both physically and mentally, you’re free to focus solely on work without having any more burdens placed upon yourself than necessary.
Kneeling desks are a great alternative to kneeling pads, pillows and/or cushions, but if you have the space for one–it’s definitely going to be worth it.