“Sitting is the new smoking.” This mantra has gained traction in the wake of research on the health risks of increased sedentary time. A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reported that prolonged sitting, whether in an office chair, behind the wheel of a car or on the couch, is linked to serious health outcomes and death, even among people who exercise regularly. The prognosis is worse for those who do not engage in physical activity. NMU’s Olson Library and the Employee Wellness Committee have launched a joint initiative to help employees avoid prolonged sitting while at their desks or in their workspaces. 

The active workstations program allows employees to increase movement or vary their positions to counter the negative effects of sitting for extended periods. Two sets of equipment are available on a try-to-buy trial. One is in the library’s demonstration area; the other can be checked out from the library’s public services desk for up to two weeks. Available items include a FitDesk, or exercise bike with a work platform (can be delivered through Central Receiving); a standing desk; an adjustable height rolling laptop cart; and a 24-inch telescoping monitor. 

“The cardiovascular and muscular systems are meant to move,” said Barb Coleman, Health and Human Performance professor and chair of the Employee Wellness Committee. “Immobilization has a very negative effect on the way the nervous system and blood vessels function. Standing up now and then is an easy way to promote better blood flow. Some people build their own adjustable desktops from wood or cardboard boxes. The key is to vary your position, but standing should be done in moderation because being on your feet too long can lead to other issues.”

Coleman said the resurrection of the Employee Wellness Committee and research on active studying by two of her colleagues helped to fuel the program’s development. Faculty members Scott Drum and Lanae Joubert found that the use of FitDesks enhanced students’ academic performance. After their project was completed, the bikes were dispersed across campus.

“With the growth of electronic resources, libraries are looking to alternative services and partnerships to connect with patrons and the community,” said Kevin McDonough of Olson Library.  “Our dean, Leslie Warren, heard about Clemson University, which has FitDesks in the library, so she asked Health and Human Performance to loan three of them to us. After she bought a standing desk for her own use and saw people’s interest in it, she reached out to Barb and the committee. We wanted to make the equipment more accessible to staff around campus. This is a nice complement to the FitDesks in the library and the library’s partnership with ASNMU on the Bike Share program.”