What do you do to prevent/minimize foot and back pain while decorating?

• Special shoes? What kind?
  Ergonomic/Anti-fatigue mat? Does it help?
  Drafting or other type of chair/stool?
  Any helpful hints?

I'm vertically challenged, so tips from fellow oompa-loompas out there would be appreciated!

Thanks

I hear you - decorating, especially when it takes hours at a time, can be a real drag on the back and shoulders.

Try getting one of those rubber mats that chefs use in their kitchens especially if you have ceramic tile floor in your kitchen.

Take frequent breaks and make sure you are drinking water and eating occassionally. Especially keeping hydrated (I forgot to do this when I am working and then end up with a bad headache on top of the sore back).

Use braces on your elbow and wrists too if that is a problem (tennis elbow or carpal tunnel).

Good Luck........

I wear my crocs in the kitchen while baking.

suggestion: buy one of those tables like you see in elementary classrooms that has adjustable legs. Then can get it to just the right O-L height.

Sam's Club has several that adjust.

I have this one:
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=103425&searchTerm=Lifetime%AE%20Adjustable%20Fold-in-Half%20Table#desc

I got it because if folds up to take less space when not needed.

I have heard that the Sketchers Shape-up shoes are very good for this. The rubber soles are gigantic and squishy with support. I have a couple of cake friends that swear by them for working in the kitchen...

I bought some mats at bed bath and beyond a few months ago that have help alot. Cheaper than the expensive anti fatigue mats really thick rubber backing and rubber patterned top.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=122222

I find standing with my legs about hip width apart helps considerably. And of course wear spongey shoes. I agree, crocs (hideous though they are) are the best thing for long periods in the kitchen!

I sit at the kitchen table whenever possible. I used to think that I needed to be standing up to work on things, but two years ago I broke my leg and I learned then that the only thing you really absolutely have to be standing for is rolling out fondant. Almost everything else works just as well when you're sitting.

Like everyone said; good rubber soled shoes really make a difference, and having an anti-fatigue mat helps even more! I REALLY REALLY love my Klogs for work!

Leaned over cakes all day/night will actually bring me to tears some days. 9 years ago I was in a car accident and broke my back, L2 compression fracture. I was very lucky because I can still walk. The accident also caused most of my disks to become injured. I count my blessings because although I'm in pain I can still walk, run, play, dance... Cake decorating can be murder on my back but I am my own boss so I can take breaks or even stop for the day and lay down. This is something I enjoy doing and I feel lucky to be given a second chance so I won't complain! (I wasn't supossed to live, had tramatic internal brain injuries also)
~Kim

I have a high table and a stool that is the perfect height. Not having to bend or reach to do a lot of the work takes a huge amount of stress off the back.

I finally got a anti-fatigue mat and it helps so much. I also try to sit as much as possible.

I have a simple bar stool that I use in the kitchen. and I decorate my cakes sitting down at the table.

Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful advice! Appreciate everything!

kimbordeaux: thanks for adding some perspective to the situation - hope you continue to recover and enjoy your cake art!

used crocs the first 5 years in the bakery. Started haveing extreme back and leg pain. Chiropractor put me back together and I ordered a set of orthodic inserts from him. What a godsend. they have lessened my back feet and knee pain.

I also built a cake decorating room that has rolling office chairs that set up to counters to decorate at. Works great!

I bit a big bullet and have a gel pro mat. It is in front of my sink for the repeated dish washing sessions. Best investment next to my kitchen aid mixer! I also try to swim at least once a week. That really helps with my back. I also visit the chiro after big caking weekends. I have L4 bulging disk so keeping my back happy is a priority!

Off Road Crocs. I wear them for over 12 hours every day and my feet nor back do not hurt. I rarely sit to decorate too.