By now most of us have heard that "sitting is the new smoking" or at least understand the harmful effects of sedentarism. If you’re in the market for a standing desk, you’re aware of the adverse effects of prolonged poor postures and ready to make a change. But what if:
- A standing desk is not feasible in your workplace?
- You don’t like standing versus sitting?
- Standing is just as — if not more — uncomfortable as sitting?
- You feel awkward standing when everyone’s sitting?
- It’s not worth it to you to spend hundreds of dollars modifying your workspace?
The answer may be a simple one: kneeling at your desk. Half-kneeling, specifically.
You may initially think of half-kneeling as “taking a knee” in sports or the “Tebow.” But half-kneeling has a scientific background.
Half-kneeling is a natural human movement ingrained in our brain’s central nervous system. It’s something we did at about ten months of age as a prerequisite to squatting, standing, and walking.
We had to learn how to control the half-kneeling position before we could graduate to the more difficult functions — no one taught us how to move as babies.
There are many benefits to kneeling at your desk as an alternative to sitting or standing.
Health Benefits
- It’s a genuinely natural position for the body
- Naturally demanding on the core (the narrower the stance, the more demanding it is)
- One leg down and one leg forward places your spine and pelvis in a much more neutral position than sitting or standing, without having to think about it nor needing correction from a professional
- Forces you to be more upright, limiting the slumped forward postural stress on your spine
- Wakes up and improves endurance of muscles you are not used to using
- Forces you to move more throughout the day
- You could do a quick set of split-squats right then and there (if you wanted to!)
- All the same benefits you would expect from standing versus sitting
Other Benefits
- No need to purchase expensive equipment
- Naturally at the same eye level as sitting, so you don’t need a new desk
- You can kneel in a boardroom where it would be inappropriate to stand
- You can half-kneel in a chair (leg down hangs off side-edge of chair)
- You can sit or kneel at your desk without needing a height-adjustable desk
All you need other than a pair of healthy knees is something to support them.
You can use just about anything you can think of to support your knees, like a Theraband board or Airex pad.
TheTherabandandAirexpads are great because they are supportive yet comfortable and will maintain their integrity over time. If you’re in a pinch, you could try thisoff-brand versionof the pads.
You can quickly adjust the height of your DIY kneeling pad by stacking a textbook (or two) below the pad to meet your height needs while also securing a comfortable position for your foot and ankle.
It’s typical for your knee to become tired or sore after some time — this is entirely normal. Simply switch sides or take a break from kneeling by standing, going for a stroll, or dare I say it, sitting!
Half-kneeling is not meant to be the holy grail of workplace ergonomics. It’s meant to be a desirable option in an active, daily ergonomic strategy.
I’m Going to Incorporate Kneeling Into My Daily Routine
Great! Take your hand, place it on the back of your opposite shoulder, and give it a few pats — you deserve it, and your body will thank you!
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about kneeling.
Is kneeling better than sitting?
Kneeling is a great option if you can't or don't want to use a standing desk. Some people find it physically uncomfortable, or feel awkward if they're the only one kneeling in the office.
What are the benefits of kneeling?
Kneeling uses the muscles of your core, prevents slouching, encourages more movement throughout your day, and reduces all of the risks associated with long periods of inactivity.
Is kneeling good for your back?
Kneeling is good for your back in that you're not slouching in a chair for long periods, which puts a lot of pressure on your vertebrae. Kneeling also activates core muscles, which supports your back.
