As the standing desk craze continues to grow, I'm wondering if I'm one of the few that doesn't really warm up to the whole notion of working while standing, however redundant that sounds? Not that I'm one to resist change, but I think standing desks are way overrated. For those like me that prefer working while sitting, is there anything like a perfect sitting posture to overcome the drawbacks that have led to the popularity of standing desks?
Would love to hear your thoughts, thanks!
1 week 3 days ago
06/12/2012 - 12:49pm
Of course! Stretchsitting is a great therapeutic posture you can use while sitting for many hours that gives you eltra length in your spine while you sit. Stack sitting is the posture we've evolved to use and is how people have sat since the dawn of humanity, without back pain. The best way to learn to return to your natural posture is to take a Gokhale Method Foundations course, but you can also start with some short videos, which you will find under Videos and Gokhale Moments (above on the dropdown tool bar).
Sit on!
Abeja Hummel
Gokhale Method Instructor
4 years 11 months ago
07/16/2018 - 3:52pm
Thanks Abeja. I sure will consider the recommended course especially given my work involves long hours of sitting - and I'm certainly not boarding the standing desk bus!
While I was at it, I also managed to dig up a few other sitting posture tips, and one that actually reinforces the stack sitting method you have alluded to. Apparently research by The University of Alberta says the 135-degree angle is the most ideal, but it would be challenging to put in any meaningful work in that position, wouldn't it?
Medical News also has some great suggestions, including several postures to avoid.
Thought I would share!
1 week 3 days ago
06/12/2012 - 12:49pm
Interesting articles. Thanks for sharing. The University of Alberta research you mention found leaning back 135 degress takes the pressure off the discs, compared to the way most people sit up in a chair. Doubtless that is true, though I wouldn't call that "ideal", I'd call it an awkward solution for desperate people. I doubt that they tested people doing the things we teach in the course, such as stretchsitting or using their inner corset to elongate and decompress their spine. Have you read Esther's book, 8 Steps to a Pain Free Back or looked at any of the free videos on this website, such as the one on stretchsitting?
Abeja