Pull up bar for doorway

Fila pull up bar

While using up a cash back coupon at Kohls I picked up a Fila pull up bar.  I like to do push ups as part of my exercise routine but was finding it difficult to fit in pull ups without going to a local playground.

This pull up bar fits in the doorway.  Doorways are designed to be overbuilt with several pieces of wood above the door underneath sheetrock or paneling.  This allows the pull up bar to be stabilized.  I admit to some nerves as I used the pull up bar the first time.  After carefully putting the bar in place it held my 160 pound plus body with no problems.  Please carefully test this out with your weight at home to prevent injury. 

The pull up bar allows for multiple grip positions.  I am starting out slow doing a few reps every other day to get into condition.  I like simplicity of the design and the ease of removal.  It took approximately 15 minutes to assemble with tools in the package.

The bar can also be placed on the floor and used as a push up bar.  There are several manufacturers who make similar pull up bars with costs ranging from $30 to $100 dollars US.

Ergonomic design problems and opportunities

Lunch room chairs and table

Note the lack of leg room and the T molded edging in this table in a brand new office suite.  This design will improve office productivity by reducing the amount of time employees spend at lunch.

Inflexible Standing Standing

Stools at a table:  This is an improvement over the other standing table as there is some knee space and the chairs have backs.  It does not have enough adjustment to accommodate people of different heights.

A cublet to call home

Move up from a shared workstation to this low priced efficiency.  The station is a bit cramped but the ergonomics are not awful.  As a bonus, managers can check in on your progress with great facility.

Why sitting for prolonged periods is bad for your health

M. Carlson pumpkins - photo N. Carlson

I recently reviewed a Great Courses video on the negative health effects of sitting as part of a review for a research group conducting a multi-year study on the benefits of sit stand work stations.  Results of the study will be available in approximately 2 years.   The lack of muscle movement in the legs severely restricts the fat clearing from the blood vessels.  Moving each hour helps minimize the effects.

 

Why Sitting All Day is Killing You - The Great Courses - 3 min. 11 sec. 

Puzzle ergonomics

During the course of a series of ergonomic evaluations an employee showed me a puzzle area in a break room.  Most puzzles are put on card tables at a height around 28 inches.   This counter top was set at approximately 43 inches high.  This is in the range of the the average elbow height.

Working on puzzles can provide an excellent mental break from a task and allow for a bit of informal socialization.  Assuring that the surface height is appropriate will minimize ergonomic issues associated with working a puzzle. A standing height surface also provides a good break from sitting. 

 Benefits of Good Posture - 4 min.