A couple of weeks ago at work we had the opportunity to put our names in for stand-up risers for our computers. I wasn't real sold on it, so I asked if there was one set up that I could look at and try out. There wasn't, so I said "thanks" and went on my merry way.
Fast forward to last Thursday, when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a worker with a stand-up riser for my desk!
- My first impressions:
- Gee, that thing is HUGE
- Look how much desk top space I lost
- I don't know about this
But, like the trooper I am, I gave it a try; I have to say I am pleased and pleasantly surprised with how much I like it!
I read--because I am not up on my fitness at all--that one should stand one hour for every two hours seated on the job, and I am really trying hard to do just that. I don't like the way I feel after sitting for 2-3 hours at a time.
The "thing" is still HUGE, but I am getting more used to it as each day goes by. I had a corner hutch-type topper on my desk before, and the riser "opens up" my office so that it looks a lot less confined. I like that aspect.
I have found homes for just about everything that was displaced in order to install the riser, so that's not an issue at this point. Things do look a little cluttered on my desk right now, so that will be a good excuse to pitch and clean during school breaks.
It does make a big difference physically to stand and move during your work day! All of us that opted for the risers also got the mats to stand on while using the riser. The mats are actually WONDERFUL and I have had no leg or back pain to speak of. I have to move the mat back and forth out of my way when sitting down, which is kind of inconvenient. It is also a good thing to remember to scoot the desk chair out of the way while standing; it prevents a fall from backing up and losing balance over it.
My main complaint right now is that the riser, while easy to raise into the correct position, is awfully heavy! That is due to the fact that I have two monitors at work. I find myself straining on my tippy toes a lot when raising the desk, which probably isn't a good idea.
All in all, anything I can do to keep myself in some kind of fighting shape is a good thing, so I plan to continue the use of the riser.
EDIT 1: The stand-up riser broke! It is currently and forever in the highest position possible, so I have to stand up to use my computer. I will admit, however, to putting my keyboard in my lap, my mouse on the armrest of my chair, and my feet up on my desk and doing a little relaxation time while computing. The soonest the rep can get here with a replacement is this coming Monday, so another day of this before we can get back (hopefully) to normal.
EDIT 2: I'm back in the standing up business! The right side cable was off track. The office furniture rep did a quick repair job and I am now good to go.
