Walk While You Work (Whistling Is Optional)

By now, you have probably heard of the studies that say sitting all day is as bad for you as smoking.  Some researchers suggest that all of us office workers should stand while we go about our routines.  Scientists at the Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab in Laval, Quebec’s Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital took a close look at this issue. They hooked some volunteers up to sensors and then had them complete such office tasks as typing. Some volunteers sat and typed; the others walked on a treadmill. Interestingly, those persons who sat felt increasing discomfort in their upper bodies. The typists on the treadmill, in contrast, had less pain.  The working theory is the standing typists were using their muscles more harmoniously. This led to less fatigue in the upper body.  The researchers note, however, that is not likely anyone could stand all day and still be effective. They are now trying to figure out what is the optimal amount of time to stand versus sit while at work in an office.  While we wait for those results, we could adopt something simple like always standing or walking while on the telephone, for example. This could make you healthier and also lead to much shorter phone calls.