I finally made it happen.

5 years of sitting and I’ve had enough.   Welcome to my new stand-up desk.

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I am PUMPED!

As a band teacher, I stood and walked around all day.  That percussion section always needed extra proximity love.

Contrary to popular belief, drumsticks are in fact not light sabers, swords or any other weapon of choice.

So, for seven years I was a mover and a shaker and sat only during prep time or for a quick lunch break.   In 2011, I moved into a career where I am sitting 90% of the time.  That time-frame is also when the major back issues set in.   I am thankful that after last years troubles, the injection I received last year into my sciatic nerve solved a lot of the issues, however, there is still residual muscle tightness.  I am confident that sitting all day is a major contributor.

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I’ve been contemplating a stand up desk for quite some time.  I’ve read a lot about the pros and cons of standing all day and for the most part the only con I can find that is worthy of repeating is that prolonged standing can have just as much of a negative effect on the back as sitting.   Good thing I have plenty of meetings on that calendar of mine, so having a standing desk is actually going to balance out quite nicely.

If you have done any type of research into the cost of a stand-up desk you are aware of the cost.  They aren’t cheap.  But, thanks much to Jenny of Prairie Californian, I found a cost effective alternative.  She made her own by using materials purchased at Ikea and so graciously shared the details with me, of which I will now share with you!

Click on the titles to be linked directly to IKEA.

• Side Table
• Shelf
• Bracket

 

 

Today is my first day using my new desk and as of right now (lunch break, four hours into it) I am pretty darn happy.   The only addition I am going to make will be a padded mat under my feet and an extra pair of tennis shoes that will stay in the office.   What you can’t see is that I already have a mini stockpile of work shoes under my desk as it is.  A girl can never be too prepared in the shoe department.   🙂

What about if I need/want to sit?

No problem!  I also have a work laptop that I can easily prop open for those days when I don’t have any meetings and need a position change.

I’ll keep you posted on the transition.  I am sure there will be an adjustment period getting my legs and back used to this new norm, but I am happy to take it on!

Cheers!