Many of us spend hours sitting on a chair for eight hours a day, five days a week. Most likely, you’re seated as you read this. Sitting all day can take a toll on your health, whether working in the office or from home. Even regular post-work gym sessions may be enough to counteract it. What follows is a higher risk of health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and body aches. The good news? A standing workstation can be a smart solution. Let’s explore the incredible standing workstation benefits and how this small change can make a big difference in your well-being.
Table of Contents
- What is a Standing Workstation?
- Top 6 Amazing Standing Workstation Benefits
- Top Standing Desks You Can Buy Today
- How to Add More Standing Time to Your Routine
- FAQs
- Bottom Line
What is a Standing Workstation?
A standing workstation is a desk that allows you to work while standing. It encourages healthier posture and reduces the risks related to prolonged sitting. These desks are adjustable and come in various designs.
Standing desks are becoming more popular, especially as more people become aware of the downsides of a sedentary lifestyle.
Types of Standing Workstations
- Fixed Height Desks: These desks are non-adjustable and set at a specific height.
- Manual Adjustable Desks: You can change the desk height manually, usually via a lever or crank.
- Electric Adjustable Desks: These desks use motors for easy height adjustment. You can adjust the height with a keypad, and some come with programmable settings.
- Desktop Converters: These can be simple and budget-friendly alternatives to standing desks. They sit on top of your existing desk, allowing you to switch positions.
Common Features
- Position Memory: This feature allows you to save your preferred height settings for easy adjustment.
- Anti-Collision System: Prevents the desk from hitting objects while adjusting.
- Child Lock: Ensures safety by locking the height adjustment controls.
- Stability Features: Provides a sturdy base to prevent wobbling.
- Cable Management: Helps keep cords organized and out of the way. Some desks have built-in cable management, but sometimes, you’ll need to buy it separately. Many desk manufacturers offer matching accessories, such as cable management and desk organizers.
Top 6 Amazing Standing Workstation Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of using a standing desk:
1. Lower Health Risks
Prolonged sitting is linked to health risks like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. A standing desk encourages you to stand and move more during workdays. Getting up and walking, even for a few minutes, can lower blood sugar and cholesterol. According to a systematic review from the Mayo Clinic, using a standing desk is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Staying active is also crucial for fighting diabetes. When you break up long sitting time with standing or walking, it lowers post-meal blood sugar, insulin, and NEFA in women at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
2. Reduce Back Pain and Neck Pain
Back pain is a common complaint for many people. Sitting all day can strain your spine, leading to discomfort and even disc problems. Poor posture can worsen neck and back pain, such as slouching or tilting your head down to look at a screen. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Having a good chair for back pain and mixing in some standing time can ease your discomfort.
Using a sit-to-stand desk makes it easier to change positions, giving your back a break and reducing stiffness. Plus, standing encourages you to move around more, whether for taking a quick walk to grab a coffee or stretching your legs during meetings. You can feel better overall compared to being glued to a chair all day.
A 2021 study in Japan examining the effects of sit-stand desks on employee health and productivity also found that participants who used a standing workstation saw reduced neck and shoulder pain. Their work engagement and self-assessment of work performance are also improved.
3. Burn More Calories
Many employees notice weight gain after starting jobs that require sitting all day. Weight gain happens when you intake more calories than you burn throughout the day. Exercises like running and walking are effective for burning calories. Interestingly, simply standing instead of sitting can also help you burn a few extra calories.
The calorie difference between standing and sitting isn’t significant—standing burns about 100-200 calories per hour while sitting burns about 60-130 calories. However, these small differences can add up over time.
Another benefit of using a standing workstation is the positive impact on your mindset. Staying on your feet keeps you more engaged and active throughout the day, which might mean walking around, doing leg lifts, or taking short breaks for jumping jacks. These little movements can help you burn additional calories. Studies have consistently shown that standing desks help you burn more calories than traditional sitting desks, reinforcing that standing more can aid in weight management and improve your overall health.
You can use a calorie-burn calculator to see how much of a difference standing could make in your daily calorie burn!
4. Promote Better Posture
Too much sitting can put a lot of strain on your spine, especially if your workspace isn’t set up ergonomically. Standing up can help stretch your spine and maintain its natural “S” shape, which is great for your posture and can relieve some discomfort. Additionally, standing engages more muscles than sitting, providing a workout for your core, legs, ankles, and feet.
For example, imagine you’re at your desk for a long meeting. If you stand while brainstorming ideas, your core and legs engage more, which helps support your spine. The same goes for taking a stand during phone calls; it encourages you to stay active and avoid slouching.
However, to reap its benefits, it is essential to stand correctly. Slouching on your feet does not help your cause at all. It may take some time to adjust to standing more, so start gradually. Instead of jumping into a marathon session right away, slowly increase the amount of time you spend on your feet. Check this guide to see how to use a standing desk correctly, including setting up the ideal desk height and standing properly.
5. Keeps Circulation Going
Another good thing about the standing desk is improved circulation. Our bodies are designed to move, and standing will strengthen the muscles in our legs and balance because the core is engaged. In addition, it prevents blood clots from forming. If you sit for a very long period of time, such as during conferences or long flights, the blood will pool in your lower extremities. Such prolonged sitting can lead to certain serious health problems.
By getting up and moving around, you promote better blood circulation. Standing at your desk can also lower the risks of issues like swollen ankles, varicose veins, and serious problems.
Adding more standing to your daily routine is a step toward a healthier lifestyle. To make the most of it, remember to stretch, take walks, and change your positions throughout the day. These activities help maintain blood flow and support your overall well-being.
6. Boost Your Energy, Mood and Productivity
Long hours of sitting can leave you feeling drained and sluggish. When you stand, your brain gets a wake-up call, leading to a surge in energy. This shift enhances blood flow, delivering more oxygen to your muscles. Standing lifts your spirits and helps you stay alert and engaged with your work.
If your day is dragging and distractions are creeping in, try standing up for a quick refresh. A 2011 study found that individuals using sit-stand desks showed improved mood states compared to those who remained seated for extended periods. When you’re feeling good, your mood tends to lift, which can help boost your productivity when you dive back into your tasks.
Top Standing Desks You Can Buy Today
After exploring the many standing workstation benefits, you may feel motivated to make the shift. The right standing desk can enhance your day-to-day habits and support your health. To help you on this journey, here are some excellent choices for you:
1. Meet&Co Office Furniture Adjustable Standing Desk
The Sendi L-shaped stan ing desk from Meet&Co Office Furniture is an excellent choice for workers and gamers. Its large desktop offers plenty of space for your monitor, keyboard, or gaming gear. The L-shape fits nicely in corners, making the most of your room layout.
With a simple design and sleek white color, it adds a modern look to your space. The desk is easy to adjust with a simple-to-use keypad featuring four preset heights for quick changes. Its sturdy metal legs keep it firm, preventing any wobbling. You can also choose the regular shape option, which comes in various finishes and sizes.
2. Flexispot E7 Standing Desk
The E7 standing desk is sleek and practical. It has a sturdy frame that allows smooth movement through height adjustment, and its spacious surface area allows you to work in much taller settings with excellent stability and without any wobbling. It also has four programmable height presets for toggling between positions quickly. The furniture manufacturer offers customization options and accessories like folding wagon carts, cable management, and monitor stans.
3. Ikea Standing Desk
TROTTEN is the best-sold standing desk in the Ikea store. It is a budget-friendly model that stands for its simplicity and functionality. Its wide surface will hold your computer and other work essentials. It is easy to use and has a sturdy structure. It is good if you desire to take care of your health while working and do not want to spend too much money.
How to Add More Standing Time to Your Routine
Adding more standing time to your routine can be simple and rewarding. Here are some easy tips:
At Office
- Use alarms to remind yourself to stand up every hour.
- Walk around the office during breaks instead of sitting.
- Stand or pace while on the phone to stay engaged.
- Suggest standing meetings to encourage energy and interaction.
- Work for 25 minutes, then stand or walk for 5 minutes.
At Home
- Set up a high table or standing desk for work.
- Stay active by standing while washing dishes or cooking.
- Take time to stretch while on your feet, especially during breaks.
- Read or browse online while on your feet.
- Make Standing Fun: Engage your family members and other individuals around you in standing activities to make it enjoyable.
FAQs
1. Can a Standing Desk Fix Back Pain?
Honestly, standing desks aren’t a magic fix for back pain. They offer various benefits, just like we mentioned above. But remember, sometimes standing too long can worsen things if the desk isn’t adjusted right or if there are existing health issues. It’s best to think of a standing desk as just one piece of the puzzle for tackling back pain, not the whole answer.
2. How long should I stand at my desk each day?
It would be advisable to start with brief periods of standing and then gradually increase to about 2-4 hours a day, according to your comfort level.
3. Is it better to sit or stand all day?
Neither is ideal. Alternate instead of sitting or standing all day for the best in health and comfort.
4. Do I need to change my shoes for standing?
Comfortable, supportive shoes can help reduce fatigue. Consider using insoles for added cushioning.
5. What are the cons of too much standing?
While there are many different standing workstation benefits, standing for extended periods can cause sore feet, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, and joint pain.
6. Can I lose weight using a standing desk?
Standing at work does burn a few more calories than sitting, but on its own, it isn’t a magic fix for weight loss. Combine standing with regular exercise for the best results.
Bottom Line
Switching to a standing desk brings a bunch of perks: better posture, improved blood flow, and a boost in energy levels. This set of standing workstation benefits will make your workday feel more comfortable and productive. However, remember that not all the benefits listed may be relevant and visible for some health problems and particular needs only. The key is to find a balance.
As a professional furniture manufacturer, Meet&Co Office Furniture offers various products, such as standing desks and ergonomic chairs, to help you build a better workspace. We can help you find the best standing desk to fit your lifestyle so you can reap its benefits and improve your overall well-being.
