It’s a common habit for people to lean against their desks when they first switch to a standing workstation. We’re so used to furniture supporting us that we no longer have the strength to hold ourselves up for very long. When you thrust your pelvis in front of your body you are resting on your psoas like a seatbelt. This can lead to psoas tension, neck and back ache, fallen arches in the feet, and pelvic floor issues.
In the photo below I’m…
1. thrusting my pelvis forward
2. my head forward
3. the computer screen is too low
4. the keyboard too high
5. I’m sleeping on the job
As my old boss used to say, “You have time to lean, you have time to clean.”
In the second photo, I’ve made the following improvements…
1. ears over shoulders
2. hips are backed up over the midpoint of knees and ankles
3. the computer screen is at eye level (the one on the wall)
4. keyboard is lower, so the shoulders can remain relaxed
5. I’m able to stay awake because I have better blood flow to my brain
BTW, you can NOT stand aligned if you have heeled shoes on. Read more here.
If I you have trouble keeping your pelvis away from the desk try gluing tacks to the edge of the table. Just kidding.
Standing all day in one position is just as bad as sitting in one position all day. So, check out my Dynamic Workstation post.
I need to glue tacks to the front of my kitchen sink…
Great post! Amazing how one inch of movement can change the tension in by back! Thanks.
Hi Barbara
Great article, I have printed this out for our staff who work standing up in the Kegel8 packing area and they are correcting their posture!
Sandra says she feels the difference already!
I love my standing desk but I’ve noticed since I started using it that my bunions are giving me trouble. I try to take breaks and I try to move my feet around as much as possible. I also stand barefoot. Do you have any tips for dealing with bunion pain?
Thank you!
Yes, three things:
spread your toes with Correct Toes, http://nurturance.net/content/correct-toes.php
Align your feet: https://alignmentmonkey.nurturance.net/2011/foot-alignment-strengthen-your-base
Back your hips up so the weight is going through your heels.