Are Standing Desks Good For You?
As the world moves more and more towards the work from home (WFH) model, you may be looking to upgrade your home office setup. Or, perhaps your desk at the office is worn out and your office manager has allowed you to personally pick out your new workstation.
If you've seen standing desks in action before, or know someone who uses one, you're probably considering if it's the right choice for you. After all, those who use these swear by them - claiming they'll never go back to a sitting desk again.
There is no denying the problems associated with prolonged sitting throughout the day. Thus, standing desks may have the ability to help you maintain a healthy posture, eliminate knee, hip, and back pain, and increase mental focus. Is all this true?
Today, we'll address whether or not standing desks are good for you. We'll cover the pros and cons of a sit-stand desk, and explain what you need to know before investing in your very own. Then, we'll share how to make sure you buy the best of the best. Let's start by talking about the differences between a traditional desk and a standing desk.
What Exactly Is A Standing Desk?
You probably can surmise from the name alone what a standing desk is. But, we want to make sure you're aware of what exactly we're talking about when we reference a "standing desk".
No, this isn't a desk that forces you to stand all day. These are more accurately referred to as "sit-stand desks" because they grant you the ability to either sit or stand. Alternating your positioning and posture throughout the day is imperative to maintaining a healthy body and a healthy, productive mind.
Standing desks are versatile. While some are mechanical, electric sit-stand desks allow you to go from a seated to a standing position with just the press of a button. You can fine-tune the heights at which you sit and stand, finding that perfect spot. If you want to learn more about how standing desks work, check out our complete guide.
The standing desk is quickly becoming more and more popular as working professionals recognize the value these desks offer. They may lead to increased efficiency while helping you stay comfortable and healthy. Let's take a look at some reported productivity and health benefits of stand-up desks.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Standing Desk?
The advantages of standing desks lead to increased productivity and a healthier, happier you. We're going to break down the most noteworthy benefits you should know of: starting with calorie burning.
Burn More Calories While You Work
One big problem with the modern 9-5 lifestyle is how hard it can be to stay up on your fitness, leading to weight gain. Sitting for 8 hours a day (or as many as 10 depending on your commute) leaves you with little time to exercise. What if you could burn calories while working throughout the day, though?
It's true - a standing desk will help you burn calories without you even knowing it. There's no question that standing burns more calories than sitting. By spending a few hours per day standing, you'll notice incremental weight loss over time without any other alterations to your diet or lifestyle.
Better Posture & Fewer Aches/Pains
If you spend most of your day seated, you know how taxing it can be on your back, neck, hips, and knees. This seated position can lead to all sorts of tightness in your muscles. That's why it's important to take breaks from sitting to walk around and stretch things out.
To take this a step further and really eliminate those aches, pains, and overall muscle tightness, invest in a standing desk. Alternating between sitting and standing will prevent your muscles from tightening up. It also helps strengthen your core, legs, and other muscles responsible for standing.
Furthermore, using standing desks can help people fine-tune their posture. The seated position encourages a slouched back, rounded shoulders, and forward head posture. Not only are these postures detrimental to your health, but they're also just plain unsightly. By using a standing desk, you can interrupt your poor posture and start to look and feel better.
Reduce Mental Fatigue & Boost Focus
This one sounds a bit too good to be true - but hear us out. There are actually studies suggesting that standing desks can help increase focus and reduce brain fatigue. In one such study, those who use standing desks reported greater productivity over the course of the day. And at the end of the workday, these office workers who took the time to stand throughout the day also reported greater energy levels.
If you are a working professional looking to get more done in the day, a standing desk could offer the boost you need. And if you're in charge of office productivity, investing in new standing desks for your workforce is a great choice.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Using A Standing Desk?
There are plenty of advantages to using standing desks, as you can now see. By investing in one yourself, you'll enjoy a healthier lifestyle and greater productivity. Sounds great - but what's the catch? Are there any drawbacks to using standing desks?
The truth is, there really are none. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by investing in a sit-stand desk.
With that said, some people report that it takes some time to get used to standing. That's to be expected with any major lifestyle change, though. If you're used to sitting 8 hours a day, don't try and stand the full 8 hours once your new desk arrives. Rather, start small. Get up every few hours for 30-60 minutes. Your body will gain strength over time, and you'll find that eventually, you can achieve up to a 50/50 split between sitting and standing.
We've also seen some people who use standing desks reported a loss in work efficiency. That's generally due to trying to stand too long. If your legs are tired and you feel that you need to sit, then sit! Trying to work through the pain and discomfort isn't going to do you any good. To truly get the most out of your setup and avoid these drawbacks, read our complete guide on the best way to stand at a standing desk.
So, Are Standing Desks Good For You?
So, what's the deal? Are standing desks actually good for you? Our verdict is yes - sit-stand desks are a no-brainer investment. Whether you're buying one for yourself or you're the office manager/CEO looking to boost efficiency and morale in the workplace, you can't go wrong with a stand-up desk.
Excessive sitting time causes an increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and more. It sounds excessive, but spending your whole life sitting can quite honestly contribute to an early death. On the other hand, a sit stand desk leads to more calories burned and overall increases in physical health. And, spending some time standing here and there will give you a fresh boost of energy.
All this considered, there's no surprise standing desks have become all the rage!
But there are so many different brands styles out there, each claiming to be the best. How do you know which one is right for you? Here are some quick tips to make sure you get the best standing desks possible.
Don't shop on price alone
You'll quickly discover that a quality sit-stand desk isn't cheap. The price tags on these can overwhelm you, and you may feel encouraged to find cheap, budget-friendly standup desks. Take our word for it - shopping based on price is a terrible idea.
You'll end up disappointed in a desk that lacks the functionality and personalization you deserve. And, when the mechanics of your desk inevitably end up failing, you're left with a useless piece of office furniture. These cheap desks rarely come with warranties - don't make the mistake of finding out why for yourself.
This is an investment in your well-being and productivity. Treat it accordingly, and look for the best of the best - you deserve it!
Look for desks with long warranties
We just touched on this a bit, but look for standup desks that come with long warranties. You want to make sure your investment is protected. There is no worse feeling than dropping $500+ on a desk only to have it fail 2 years down the road and need to be replaced.
The best standing desks come with warranties to back up your purchase - look for a desk that comes with at least a 10-year warranty. The peace of mind is worth the added cost.
Some desks offer additional features
If you are like us, you want the best of the best. There are certain standing desks that go above and beyond with awesome features to set them apart. For example, some stand-up desks offer an integrated health coach! This feature will tell you when to sit or stand on set intervals. This keeps you dialed in and productive over the course of a long workday.
Other cool features include cable management raceways, grooves to help you hold devices, and other space-saving touches to help you fit everything you need on the desk. Some desks are even adaptable, helping you enhance your workspace for greater comfort and productivity as necessary.
Find The #1 Standing Desks Online At EverDesk+!
If you're not sure where to start your shopping journey, you're in luck. Now that you know that standing desks are good for you, and you know what to keep in mind while shopping, head over to EverDesk+. We're home to the #1 adjustable standing desk in Singapore and throughout the world!
Our standing desk reviews speak for themselves. With over 400 reviews and a 4.7-star average rating, you can shop in confidence knowing you're getting the most bang for your buck. Our desks are proven to keep you healthier and more productive while working. But, these desks are also designed to kill clutter!
You can choose three custom height presets and rely on the integrated health coach to remind you when to sit or stand. With so many stunning styles to choose from, the perfect standing desk is waiting for you - shop now!
