YouTube Person Attempts "No Sitting" Experiment for a Week; Abandons on Day 5
Standing the Test of Time: Lucas Ball's Week-Long Standing Challenge
YouTuber Lucas Ball, better known as Pigmie, decided to push the boundaries of wellness by standing for an entire week without taking a seat, inspired by experts suggesting a two to four-hour daily stand-up routine for combating sedentary lifestyles. Armed with a bamboo standing desk, he aimed to stand upright for 16 hours per day.
In the middle of his home office, productivity increased as distractions disappeared, as Ball pointed out. "There wasn't time for a break and then to get swayed off-task," he said.
However, fitness took a hit by Day 3, as leg and foot discomfort crept in, posture began to falter, and snack cravings were more frequent. "I reckon I was feeling hungry due to burning extra calories...I snacked throughout the entire day," Ball confessed.
By Day 5, it became clear that the challenge had taken its toll with aching limbs, sleepless nights, and visible slouching. Lower back pain had lessened, but the upper back bore a telltale slouched-over appearance. Calling it quits, Ball acknowledged, "I've gotta watch out for posture issues like this." Despite minor gains in digestion and productivity, a pound was added due to frequent snacking, and knees and hips protested from the prolonged standing.
Although the experiment caused discomfort, Ball picked up on a few positives: increased productivity and improved digestion. Regardless, he learned the importance of balance, vowing to incorporate standing sessions into his day instead of national-level tours. "We'll bring out that desk whenever I'm feeling fatigued," he promised before sinking into the chair after five taxing days.
Long-Term Impacts of Prolonged Standing
Lucas Ball's experiment sheds light on the long-term pros and cons of prolonged standing. The experience underscores both positive and negative impacts essential for understanding long-term implications.
Positive Aspects:- Improved Digestion: Faster digestion was noted during the experiment, aligning with research implying that standing can boost metabolic processes[1][2].- Increased Productivity: He observed a notable 30% boost in productivity, consistent with studies on the benefits of standing desks[1][2].- Back Pain Reduction: Improved posture in the lower spine, reduced back pain being common advantages linked to standing[2].
Negative Implications:- Physical Fatigue: Soreness in the legs and feet, deteriorating posture, and general discomfort ensued, typical issues associated with prolonged standing[1][2].- Sleep Disruption: Sleep was disrupted due to exhaustion, a common issue if prolonged standing isn't balanced with rest[2].- Heightened Appetite: Significant appetite increase led to weight gain, possibly from burning extra calories while standing[1][2].
Recommended Doses
While standing for long hours has its advantages, striking a balance is key to avoid long-term negative side effects. A two to four-hour daily stand-up routine is recommended by experts to improve posture, manage blood sugar, and enhance focus without the drawbacks associated with prolonged standing[2].
Sensible Steps:
- Moderate Use of Standing Desks: Incorporate standing desks into your daily routine for a few hours to improve focus and posture without unwanted fatigue.
- Regular Movement: Incorporate regular physical activity throughout the day to boost circulation and reduce stiffness.
- Alternate Sitting and Standing: Maintain a balance between standing and sitting by alternating positions to minimize fatigue and discomfort related to prolonged postures.
In conclusion, prolonged standing has some advantages; however, striking a balance between standing and sitting is crucial to avoid long-term drawbacks.
[1] Sedentary Behavior and Health Outcomes: Recommendations for the Primary Care Setting. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol 50, No 8, 2018.[2] A Guide for Long-Term Sitting and Standing Posture Management. Journal of Physical Activity & Health. Vol 17, No 1, 2020.
In pursuit of a week-long standing challenge, YouTuber Lucas Ball discovered that prolonged standing could have significant impacts on both physical health and productivity. Positive aspects included improved digestion, increased productivity, and reduced lower back pain. However, negative implications arose from physical fatigue, disrupted sleep, heightened appetite, and a significant increase in snacking, leading to weight gain. To minimize these issues, experts recommend a moderate use of standing desks, regular physical activity, and alternating between sitting and standing positions. Striking a balance is essential to avoid long-term drawbacks associated with prolonged standing.
