Among animals we alone have an upright posture. This unusual stance did not occur by chance (yes, it is poetic!) but developed over many thousands of years and via several pre-modern human species. If an upright posture had been disadvantageous, it would have been discarded during evolution and there would have been no Homo sapiens. The question is: why did we evolve in this way? How did an upright stance enhance the survival of  early humans? It is easy to make up explanatory stories such as being upright enabled our ancestors to peer over the grasses and other vegetation on the African plains, and see potential game or predators in ambush. Perhaps having brains, eyes, ears and nose together at the top of one’s body results in better planning and management of the hunt. Or perhaps the head and brain is more easily cooled there. As the human body is adapted for rapid and steady movement over long distances compared with other primates, perhaps the thinking organ is safer when high up.

Whatever the origins of our unusual stance, we need to be aware that we remain a vertical animal and that our physical activities should accord with this position. Too much sitting or horizontal lying does not exercise the muscles which are essential to keep us upright. Lack of muscular action allows our long bones to deteriorate and become weak. The spine is supported in an upright position by several large muscles which need to be regularly exercised. And all these muscles are essential for returning blood from the lower body to the heart and then to the lungs and brain. The heart and circulation are kept healthy through regular upright exercise. Working for long periods sitting at a horizontal desk, or immobile at a standing desk, are not compatible with human health. We evolved as active vertical animals and need to keep our origins in mind at all times.