Working standing up

[PatCouture]

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

 

[TheTick]

Donald Rumsfeld liked to stay on his feet all day.

 

[cranky108]

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

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

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.

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.

 

[jmw]

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

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

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[LUDPEKA1]

This was a topic on another site and some one posted this link for a height adjustable desk system. I’m sure it’s $$$$$

http://www.leuwico.com/web_e/products/office_furniture/cad/work_stations.html

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

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.

 

[controlnovice]

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.

 

[kontiki99]

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.

 

[SomptingGuy]

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

- Steve

 

[HgTX]

Walking *at* work would be on their time. Walking *to* work would be on mine.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies: faq731-376

 

[jmw]

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

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[ctopher]

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

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

 

[MikeHalloran]

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

 

[msquared48]

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.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[KENAT]

"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 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484

 

[ornerynorsk]

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.

 

[PatCouture]

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

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

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

Was that an intended pun or a cheeky Freudian slip?

 

[PatCouture]

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