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Working standing up

Working standing up

Working standing up

(OP)
Hi!

I'm a designer / Drafter working on a CAD station most of my day. I read a little on the internet about working standing up and the idea sounded interesting so I figured out a quick setup using books and carton boxes to lift my stuffs to work standing up.

I used it for two weeks and really loved it. But before going to a permanent setup I would like to have some input from others. I previously read about using a gel mat to prevent sore feet, using a stool to sit when there is fatigue, etc. Is there anyone who actually work that way or at least tried it for a long period? How do you like it and why?

For those interested there is a great discussion on the subject here http://37signals.com/svn/posts/1001-standing-versus-sitting

Cheers

Patrick

RE: Working standing up

Donald Rumsfeld liked to stay on his feet all day.

RE: Working standing up

There are desks that can be adjusted for either standing or sitting.

RE: Working standing up

I've been thinking of doing this for a while now. Too lazy to get up out of my nice 'comfy' chair to do it though. smile

When 'on the board' standing (in combination with a high stool) was the norm, and it worked well ... it discouraged desk sitting managers from staying too long.

RE: Working standing up

The compromise is a "Kneeler" chair.
These ensure a much more upright posture:

Quote:

Kneeling chairs can make sitting fun, whilst increasing health and productivity at the same time. Once just used by those with back problems, the chairs have matured into beautiful furniture.
I keep thinking of getting one myself.
 

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Working standing up

jmw ... I tried one for a few days ... and hated it. You really can't beat a bar stool ... especially when correctly positioned at a bar.  cheers

RE: Working standing up

Or use this!!

http://www.isokineticsinc.com/product/gm_6106002rtl

Just make sure your co-workers don't walk around with scissors.

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

RE: Working standing up

I saw a recent article in a health magazine about walking work stations. These are treadmills surrounded by desk space. They run a low speeds. Apparently it doesn't impair your ability to work and generally improves your fitness.

RE: Working standing up

Drive to work.  Walk at work.  Perfect.  Like those who take a lift 50 floors to get to the gym.

- Steve

RE: Working standing up

Ah, now, I didn't actually suppose that sitting on a kneeling chair and drinking were two compatible activities.... and, once one passes a certain number, bar stools tend to set you down on the floor anyway...  

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
 

RE: Working standing up

When the boss is looking for volunteers...he looks for the first to stand!

Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Working standing up

For many years I worked at a four- poster drafting table.
When I got a computer, I just put the monitor on it.
Later, I elevated the monitor about a foot above the drawing surface, on a platform that was also big enough for the keyboard.  

I had a simple stool adjusted to just the right height to sit or stand.

I think that the key was, the stool had a wooden seat with no padding.  People are not really evolved for sitting on tuffets.

 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Working standing up

jmw:

Somehow, and for some unknown reason, I have a real problem with the use of a kneeling chair in the presence of my boss.

I think it is counter-productive.  ponder

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

RE: Working standing up

"Donald Rumsfeld liked to stay on his feet all day. " - so you're saying it's a bad idea then;-0.

I nearly mentioned the days of drafting boards and the like but others beat me to it.  I think I'd definitely want the option of sitting or standing, a tall chair like used to go with drafting tables takes care of that.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Working standing up

There is a company called Healthpostures that makes a nice keyboard and monitor lift.  Not terribly expensive and it works quite well.  We've got several of them in our Engineering dept.

RE: Working standing up

(OP)
Thanks guys for all your inputs

The more I think about it, I lean toward an adjustable height desk so I can still use the current chair I got and a good part of the furniture I already have in my office. Also by being adjustable anybody will be able to use my station without much assle. Unfortunately I'm on a tight budget so it may be difficult to find what I want.

Patrick

RE: Working standing up

Quote:

by being adjustable anybody will be able to use my station without much assle.

Was that an intended pun or a cheeky Freudian slip?

RE: Working standing up

(OP)
Woops!!! there was no pun intended only a mistake! English is my second language!

I was saying because at 6'2" tall if I build a standing desk to my confortable height there won't be a lot of people at my office able to use it.

Patrick

RE: Working standing up

The great musical composer Victor Herbert wrote music standing up. Perhaps he was figuratively visualizing the orchestra while writing the parts.

Even soldiers on the march take 10 every hour. Being constantly on your feet is asking for trouble.

RE: Working standing up

One thing I miss about working on the board is the option to stand for some part of the day. If I had an old drawing board, I would put my computer on it and use a comfortable drafting chair (not stool) for when I felt like sitting. To long in any one position gets uncomfortable. One reason to get up and walk around once in a while.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net

RE: Working standing up

This debate sounds like a pub debate to me.  Some people prefer to stand at the bar; some prefer to sit down.  Standing should always be an option.

- Steve

RE: Working standing up

(OP)
Plasgears

I know there's no good in standing up all day that's for sure, but the same goes for sitting. That's one of the reasons why I would like an adjustable desk, then I could get up or sit whenever I feel like it and still work.

Patrick

RE: Working standing up

As a field guy,  I must say that I find this thread so fascinating :)  What's the best water cooler?

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