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We have an epidemic of bad posture

levels.io

11–20 of 152 posts

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#11
I had the Herman Miller Aeron chair for a decade, and I recently upgraded to the Embody from them. It's leagues better in the ergonomic department. So comfortable, and no back issues sitting for extremely long periods of time.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#12
post #3

He's still not using an ergonomic keyboard. Typical keyboards require the user to press the key to the bottom to activate it, like pushing your finger into the desk. A mechanical keyboard switch activates halfway from the bottom, reducing the extra stress on your fingers. Here's a collection of other RSI stories, along with other ergonomic information: https://github.com/melling/ErgonomicNotes

I use an ergodox infinity, the main things I like about it are the columnar layout (q->a->z are in a straight line), and I can use it at varying widths and angles. I mostly use it at about shoulder width, angled slightly outwards. I still use QWERTY but it's not been a problem.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#13
post #3

He's still not using an ergonomic keyboard. Typical keyboards require the user to press the key to the bottom to activate it, like pushing your finger into the desk. A mechanical keyboard switch activates halfway from the bottom, reducing the extra stress on your fingers. Here's a collection of other RSI stories, along with other ergonomic information: https://github.com/melling/ErgonomicNotes

Fwiw, I was disabled for 8 years with RSI, and the best keyboard I've found, for me, is the Apple one displayed in this article. It has the lightest touch of any keyboard I've used except for actual touchpad style ergonomic keyboards, which can be worse, since they can be difficult to use and require static pressure - like the keyboard of the screen of a tablet. Not to mention being unobtainable.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#14
Lifting weights can help, but it can also cause more harm when your routine isn't properly balanced. Doing only bench press and military press lifts for upper body is going to be a chest/tricep push heavy routine.

If you're not balancing these pushes with pulls (chinups, pullups, rows, etc), it can promote issues like rolled shoulders, forward neck, weak traps, weak rhomboids or similar postural issues to those the author is trying to avoid in the first place. In fact, many lifters will add more pulls than pushes, because our day-to-day activities tend to be more push-oriented.

The point is, if you're going to lift, pick a beginner's routine designed by someone who knows what they're doing that has push/pull balance programmed in from the outset. Don't just pick a couple lifts that you enjoy and throw out the rest.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#16
post #3

He's still not using an ergonomic keyboard. Typical keyboards require the user to press the key to the bottom to activate it, like pushing your finger into the desk. A mechanical keyboard switch activates halfway from the bottom, reducing the extra stress on your fingers. Here's a collection of other RSI stories, along with other ergonomic information: https://github.com/melling/ErgonomicNotes

I have a Kinesis Advantage keyboard, and it's awesome. I can use a million emacs key chords all day and it's painless for my pinkies.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#17
post #8
post #4

All the ergo adjustments in the world won't help you if you sit in one position all day long with one small set of muscles engaged while the rest are disengaged and slowly atrophying. The best solution is touched on in the article, but it can't be overstated that actual exercise is the best preventative.

Easiest solution for an office worker is to just run up and own the stairwell a few times a day. I don't know how so many people just sit still all day, with a big lunch too, then wonder why they feel tired in the afternoons. Their only solution seems to be more garbage Keurig coffee!

One of the most frustrating things about working in New York is the ample amount of potential stairs to climb with almost every door locked from the stairwell.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#18
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Easiest solution for an office worker is to just run up and own the stairwell a few times a day. I don't know how so many people just sit still all day, with a big lunch too, then wonder why they feel tired in the afternoons. Their only solution seems to be more garbage Keurig coffee!

One of the most frustrating things about working in New York is the ample amount of potential stairs to climb with almost every door locked from the stairwell.

Hah, same issue in my building in NYC.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#19
post #3

He's still not using an ergonomic keyboard. Typical keyboards require the user to press the key to the bottom to activate it, like pushing your finger into the desk. A mechanical keyboard switch activates halfway from the bottom, reducing the extra stress on your fingers. Here's a collection of other RSI stories, along with other ergonomic information: https://github.com/melling/ErgonomicNotes

I have a Kinesis Advantage keyboard, and it's awesome. I can use a million emacs key chords all day and it's painless for my pinkies.

The Kinesis Advantage has really helped me, along with a Kensington Expert Mouse (which is actually a trackball). I used to get pains all the way up my right arm and through both wrists, but now worst case is a slightly tired hand.

Re: We have an epidemic of bad posture

#20

Lifting weights can help, but it can also cause more harm when your routine isn't properly balanced. Doing only bench press and military press lifts for upper body is going to be a chest/tricep push heavy routine. If you're not balancing these pushes with pulls (chinups, pullups, rows, etc), it can promote issues like rolled shoulders, forward neck, weak traps, weak rhomboids or similar postural issues to those the a…

Yep, getting a strong back (from pull type movements, as well as squats and deadlifts) has improved my posture more than anything else. Another to look into is weak/mis-firing glutes (from sitting all the time). Apparently planks (of a certain kind where you squeeze your glutes as well) help for that.

http://www.romphysicaltherapy.ie/best-exercises-to-strengthe...

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