Research shows that sitting for long periods of time at work increases our risk for chronic disease like heart disease and type 2 diabetes – and this is true even if you exercise before or after work! Thankfully, taking regular breaks from sitting by shifting your posture to standing or moving can reduce these risks and improve your health.

With funding from the NIH, researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Minnesota have created an evidence-based workplace program called Stand & Move at Work. This program was developed to provide the tools and strategies to workplaces so that they can effectively encourage less sitting, and increase standing and moving. 

Previous work by this research team showed an increase in standing through the utilization of sit-stand workstations of over an hour per day, along with a reduction in musculoskeletal pain (e.g., lower back pain) and improvements in fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight in individuals at higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.

The Stand & Move at Work™ program is now available as an easy-to-use, online platform that includes brief training modules, and step-by-step guides with relevant materials that guide a workplace team to  launch and deliver the program. The research team is now making this program available to use for free for two years to qualifying worksites. Worksites must have sit-stand workstations available to at least half of the workforce, and be willing to provide at least one Champion (a workplace-influencer type) to implement the program.

By enrolling, you will become a partner in science with Arizona State University and the University of Minnesota and take part in the largest sedentary behavior workplace study to date!  If you’re interested in learning more, or to apply to take part, go to: z.umn.edu/standandmove