Imagine sitting on the floor at work and working at a computer. Certainly a difficult idea – our backs would definitely take a beating after 8 hours and there is no question of a healthy position. However, according to a recent study published in the magazine, sitting on the floor is healthy under certain circumstances if you have the right conditions for it.
The key to managing seating is a special table
After an initial assessment and interview with a physical therapist, editors from Healthline magazine decided to test a special adjustable table for standing and sitting on the ground. They subjected it to thorough testing. You can adapt this desk to work standing, which many people already use today, or add a treadmill to it and even walk at a slower pace while working.
These adjustable work tables are nothing new. They already reached their boom during the Covid pandemic, when many people were dependent on home offices. The benefits of standing desks are already pretty well known, but could sitting on the floor be part of the secret recipe for more comfortable working from home? Short answer: It can be good or bad; it depends on how often and how correctly you do it. Sitting on the floor alone is just as harmful as sitting in a chair if it goes on for too long or if you have the wrong posture.
Movement at work is important!
Being able to move between three different positions while working is a big advantage over a sit-only desk or a sit-stand desk. This is also claimed by Gregory Minnis, doctor of physiotherapy. He explains that regardless of position, sitting still for long periods of time can lead to stiff joints, reduced blood flow to muscles and overuse injuries.
This table offers more possibilities to move. You can kneel on the floor, sit for a while, sit in a yoga position, sit on a chair, stand up, and so on. It looks great on paper. Despite their minimalist design, these adjustable tables are quite heavy, but the positions are still very easy to adjust. The movement of the table is exclusively vertical, so you don’t have to worry about things tipping over. You can thus adjust the position of the table at any time even during work.
The more you change the position, the better
Sitting or standing in one position while working for more than 30 minutes is difficult, so it is good to change positions as often as possible. It should be remembered that we humans are not physically adapted to sit for 8 hours at will. According to the editors of Healthline magazine, who tested this desk, it’s a good investment only if you work at your desk often and have the ability to change positions. or sit not only on a chair, but also on a fit ball when working.
An adjustable table is not a cheap thing and its price can go up to 1000 EUR. According to those who tested the desk, it makes the day spent at work less monotonous and the body relaxes from sitting in a crouched position all day. It is a considerable investment, but it is a high-quality piece of furniture that will last a long time.
The correct position of the spine at work is absolutely essential
It’s not just about standing or sitting while working and changing positions, but mainly about having the spine at the right angle! Physiotherapist Gregory Minnis gives some tips – sitting in the correct posture with legs crossed on the floor requires more hip mobility and core strength. “It’s very easy to get into a slouched position in this position,” he says. To do it correctly, it is recommended to exercise in short intervals, until your body gets used to the correct posture when working in this position.
Correct posture in all positions means: neutral spine alignment (no slouching), neutral shoulder and upper back alignment (no hunched shoulders) and head and neck in one axis above the shoulders.
