standing desk for home office

The Pros And Cons Of Sit-Standing Desks

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Everyone has experienced the agony of spending hours crouched over a keyboard as their back hurts and their shoulders ache. If you've ever found yourself in this (bad) situation, you've probably considered the merits of standing while you work.

    Many people in the United Kingdom suffer from sitting disorders due to their habitual participation in sedentary activities like marathon television viewing, long hours behind the wheel, and prolonged use of electronic devices. Adding a desk job from 9 to 5 on weekdays to this way of life is asking for trouble.

    Popularity of standing workstations and treadmill desks has increased over the past few years. According to human resources professionals, use of standing workstations has climbed by 7 percent over the past year. Providing employees with the opportunity to work at the a standing desk is a simple yet effective way to promote employee health and boost morale in the workplace.

    Many health issues, including those listed above, have been linked in studies to excessive sitting. Regular exercisers nonetheless run the danger of developing health problems from sitting too much. Because of the elevated surface at a standing desk, you can work while standing up. It extends the time you can remain active throughout the day.

    Sit stand desk benefits have been shown through scientific research to raise one's level of productivity, focus, and originality. Why? Because standing puts to work a few of the body's biggest muscles, which in turn increases bloodflow. Hence, it enhances both our well-being and productivity. Moreover, sit-stand workstations have been shown to boost productivity by 10-20%.

    Using a sit-stand desk can help you be more productive, and it can also improve your health significantly compared to sitting for long hours. It has been shown that staff members spend between 65 and 75 percent of their work time seated. Most of this occurs in single, extended sessions. More than twice more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease, and a 13% and 17% greater risk of cancer mortality and incidence, respectively, were found in people who sat the most compared to those who sat the least, according to a study published in in British Journal for Sports Medicine.

    Because of the increased muscle activity described above, it stands to reason that using a lay desk causes you to expend more energy. Dr. Dunstan, director of physical exercise at the Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, estimates that an individual who stands for eight hours a day consumes about 13 percent more energy than someone who sits. Together, these four hours of standing time are the equivalent to going for a 45-minute stroll in terms of calories burned.

    The health benefits of sit-stand workstations are not limited to the long term; rather, they provide immediate relief. Standing reduces the risk of developing dangerously high blood sugar and fat levels. Hence, workers who walk more are more energised and focused.

    What Exactly Is A Standing Desk?

    A standing desk, sometimes referred to as a stand-up desk, is simply a desk that can be adjusted so that you can stand up while using it.

    The height of many contemporary desks may be adjusted so that their users can move freely between standing and sitting positions.

    These desks allow the user to vary the height between sitting and standing.

    While studies on the health benefits of sitting at a standing desk are still in their infancy, first findings are promising. It could also boost output.

    Using a standing desk is one way to mitigate the negative consequences of sitting for long periods of time.

    Standing Desk Varieties

    Standing desks all have the same fundamental design: you're able to do your work while standing.

    Standing desks don't change from your standing height during the day. Adjustable height workstations, or "sit-stand" desks, allow their users to switch between sitting and standing at will. Automatic elevating workstations let you go between sitting and standing at the touch of a button. One can use a handle, lever, or crank to raise a manually operated one.

    A standing desk is available at any office supply, technology, or big-box retailer.

    While a simple, stationary desk can be purchased for under $100, a high-quality electric desk can set you back well over $1,000. The concept is taken even farther by treadmill workstations, which allow you to walk as you work but can cost and over $1,000. Why not try these out.

    standing desk beneficial melbourne

    The Benefits

    Some of the advantages of standing at work are:

    Studies have shown that standing can help you burn more calories than sitting at your desk all day. There is a significant increase in calorie expenditure when walking, from 110 to 210 per hour.

    Reduced back pain: poor posture and prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your lumbar spine. It has been found that standing desks can reduce back discomfort, however it is unclear how long one must stand in order to feel the effects.

    Workers at a call centre were found to be 45% more productive each day when given the option of standing at their desks rather than sitting.

    The Disadvantage

    Yet, standing workstations are not without their flaws. Their presence can be problematic in a few ways:

    Standing for lengthy periods of time can cause discomfort in the legs and feet due to the strain it places on the legs, hips, and feet. This might cause discomfort. However, if you try to relieve the strain by lifting one foot, you risk becoming unbalanced and slouching.

    Leg veins get swollen and painful when you stand for lengthy periods of time. As the vein enlarges to accommodate the additional blood, its strength may diminish. The result is unsightly varicose veins. More than twice as many individuals who are seated for more over 6 hours a day will need surgery treating varicose veins as those who sit or walk for much less that 4 hours a day.

    Even though standing helps you burn a few extra calories, it is not a replacement for exercise. However the number of calories burned when walking more than doubles. Blood cholesterol and sugar levels improved significantly more in treadmill desk users than in standing desk users, according to research comparing the two.

    The use of a standing desk isn't optimal for all work: While standing is fine for some activities, such as typing or taking a call, sitting is preferable when performing others, such as painting or writing.  See this here. 

    standing desk for home

    The Advantages Of Sit-Stand Desks

    Now that you understand the reasoning behind sit-stand desks, we'll go over the advantages they offer.

    Allows You To Break Up Long Periods Of Sitting.

    As we discussed before, sitting for extended periods of time might have negative health effects. Yet if you're an office worker, it's also unavoidable.

    In theory, getting up for a few minutes every hour to stretch would be manageable, but in fact, it might not be. It's possible that you're working under strict time constraints, or that your job requires you to be immediately available at all times (such as at a call centre).

    The capacity to get up and move around while still getting work done is the primary advantage of sit-stand workstations. Working in both a seated and standing position is possible without any disruption to your day.

    Standing Is Good For Your Health (In Moderation)

    By nature, standing is healthier than sitting, and it also helps you avoid the negative effects of sitting for too long. Only three hours of standing a day is equivalent to jogging 10 marathons annually in terms of health advantages.

    You Have The Option Of Sitting Or Standing.

    The health risks of standing all day have already been discussed, so switching to a standing desk might not be the best idea. Yet, the fact that sit-stand desks may be adjusted to both sitting & standing heights is one of the greatest health benefits. Hence, you and your staff can strike whatever equilibrium between the two works best for you during the day.

    Beneficial For Productivity And Concentration

    In addition to the health advantages, sit-stand workstations can also boost productivity in the office. Sit-stand desks, for instance, have been demonstrated to enhance productivity in some workplaces by as much as 46%! In our opinion, sit-stand workstations are a worthwhile investment because they increase both employees' health and productivity.

    Take Regular Breaks

    Standing behind your desk is preferable to sitting, but you should still get up and move around, stretch, and close your eyes every once in a while. Learn this here now.

    Some people are just wired to take frequent breaks, while others may benefit from a computer-generated prompt.

    Break reminder apps for computers and smartphones are a terrific choice. Both of these are widely available for no cost.

    Lower levels of upper-body and back pain were reported among call centre workers.

    When sitting at a desk, experts advise standing for at least two hours, with four hours being the ideal. Work that requires sitting for long periods of time should be broken up by shorter periods of standing. Both sitting for long periods of time and standing in one place should be avoided. That's why it's recommended to alternate your weight bearing often to prevent leg fatigue. Throughout the course of a workday, it's important to not just change your weight but also your body's posture. There is no evidence that prolonged standing on the job is bad for your back or neck, and in fact, standing can be rather relaxing for tired muscles.

    It's normal for the body to feel some aches and pains in the muscles and joints as it adjusts to a new standing job routine. It is recommended that the employee take a break if the aches and pains don't go away after a change in position or a short stroll. The body is in a restful position, which helps ease pain and other symptoms. Get medical attention if the problem persists after trying this. Workers have a responsibility to raise awareness among their workforce that sitting for extended periods of time significantly raises the risk of cardiometabolic disorders and premature death.

    Conclusion

    Standing workstations and treadmill desks have become increasingly popular due to their ability to promote employee health and boost morale in the workplace. They have been shown to raise productivity, focus, and originality, and can improve health significantly compared to sitting for long hours. Sitting too much can lead to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and a 13% and 17% greater risk of cancer mortality and incidence, respectively. Additionally, using a sit-stand desk can help you be more productive and improve your health significantly, as it puts to work a few of the body's biggest muscles, which in turn increases bloodflow and enhances both well-being and productivity. Dr. Dunstan estimates that an individual who stands for eight hours a day consumes 13% more energy than someone who sits, and that four hours of standing time is equivalent to going for a 45-minute stroll in terms of calories burned.

    Standing reduces the risk of developing dangerously high blood sugar and fat levels, and can also boost output. Stand-up desks are available at any office supply, technology, or big-box retailer for under $100, while a high-quality electric desk can set you back over $1,000. Adjustable height workstations, or "sit-stand" desks, allow users to switch between sitting and standing at will.

    Standing at work can help you burn more calories than sitting at your desk all day, reduce back pain, and be 45% more productive. However, standing workstations are not without their flaws, such as causing discomfort in the legs and feet due to the strain it places on the legs, hips, and feet. Additionally, leg veins can become swollen and painful when standing for lengthy periods of time, and more than twice as many individuals who are seated for more over 6 hours a day will need surgery treating varicose veins as those who sit or walk for much less that 4 hours a day. The use of a standing desk is not optimal for all work, as sitting is preferable when performing certain activities. However, it does allow you to break up long periods of sitting.

    Content Summary:

    1. Everyone has experienced the agony of spending hours crouched over a keyboard as their back hurts and their shoulders ache.
    2. If you've ever found yourself in this (bad) situation, you've probably considered the merits of standing while you work.
    3. Many people in the United Kingdom suffer from sitting disorders due to their habitual participation in sedentary activities like marathon television viewing, long hours behind the wheel, and prolonged use of electronic devices.
    4. Adding a desk job from 9 to 5 on weekdays to this way of life is asking for trouble.
    5. Popularity of standing workstations and treadmill desks has increased over the past few years.
    6. According to human resources professionals, use of standing workstations has climbed by 7 percent over the past year.
    7. Providing employees with the opportunity to work at a standing desk is a simple yet effective way to promote employee health and boost morale in the workplace.
    8. Many health issues, including those listed above, have been linked in studies to excessive sitting.
    9. Regular exercisers nonetheless run the danger of developing health problems from sitting too much.
    10. Because of the elevated surface at a standing desk, you can work while standing up.
    11. It extends the time you can remain active throughout the day.
    12. Sit stand desk benefits have been shown through scientific research to raise one's level of productivity, focus, and originality.
    13. Because standing puts to work a few of the body's biggest muscles, which in turn increases blood flow.
    14. Hence, it enhances both our well-being and productivity.
    15. Moreover, sit-stand workstations have been shown to boost productivity by 10-20%.
    16. Using a sit-stand desk can help you be more productive, and it can also improve your health significantly compared to sitting for long hours.
    17. It has been shown that staff members spend between 65 and 75 percent of their work time seated.
    18. Most of this occurs in single, extended sessions.
    19. More than twice more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease, and a 13% and 17% greater risk of cancer mortality and incidence, respectively, were found in people who sat the most compared to those who sat the least, according to a study published in in British Journal for Sports Medicine.
    20. Dr. Dunstan, director of physical exercise at the Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, estimates that an individual who stands for eight hours a day consumes about 13 percent more energy than someone who sits.
    21. Together, these four hours of standing time are the equivalent to going for a 45-minute stroll in terms of calories burned.
    22. The health benefits of sit-stand workstations are not limited to the long term; rather, they provide immediate relief.
    23. Standing reduces the risk of developing dangerously high blood sugar and fat levels.
    24. Hence, workers who walk more are more energised and focused.
    25. A standing desk, sometimes referred to as a stand-up desk, is simply a desk that can be adjusted so that you can stand up while using it.
    26. The height of many contemporary desks may be adjusted so that their users can move freely between standing and sitting positions.
    27. These desks allow the user to vary the height between sitting and standing.
    28. While studies on the health benefits of sitting at a standing desk are still in their infancy, first findings are promising.
    29. Using a standing desk is one way to mitigate the negative consequences of sitting for long periods of time.
    30. Standing desks all have the same fundamental design: you're able to do your work while standing.
    31. Standing desks don't change from your standing height during the day.
    32. Adjustable height workstations, or "sit-stand" desks, allow their users to switch between sitting and standing at will.
    33. Automatic elevating workstations let you go between sitting and standing at the touch of a button.
    34. One can use a handle, lever, or crank to raise a manually operated one.
    35. A standing desk is available at any office supply, technology, or big-box retailer.
    36. While a simple, stationary desk can be purchased for under $100, a high-quality electric desk can set you back well over $1,000.
    37. The concept is taken even farther by treadmill workstations, which allow you to walk as you work but can cost over $1,000.
    38. Some of the advantages of standing at work are: Studies have shown that standing can help you burn more calories than sitting at your desk all day.
    39. There is a significant increase in calorie expenditure when walking, from 110 to 210 per hour.
    40. Reduced back pain: poor posture and prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your lumbar spine.
    41. It has been found that standing desks can reduce back discomfort, however it is unclear how long one must stand in order to feel the effects.
    42. Workers at a call centre were found to be 45% more productive each day when given the option of standing at their desks rather than sitting.
    43. Yet, standing workstations are not without their flaws.
    44. Their presence can be problematic in a few ways: Standing for lengthy periods of time can cause discomfort in the legs and feet due to the strain it places on the legs, hips, and feet.
    45. However, if you try to relieve the strain by lifting one foot, you risk becoming unbalanced and slouching.
    46. Leg veins get swollen and painful when you stand for lengthy periods of time.
    47. As the vein enlarges to accommodate the additional blood, its strength may diminish.
    48. The result is unsightly varicose veins.
    49. More than twice as many individuals who are seated for more over 6 hours a day will need surgery treating varicose veins as those who sit or walk for much less that 4 hours a day.
    50. Even though standing helps you burn a few extra calories, it is not a replacement for exercise.
    51. However the number of calories burned when walking more than doubles.
    52. Blood cholesterol and sugar levels improved significantly more in treadmill desk users than in standing desk users, according to research comparing the two.
    53. The use of a standing desk isn't optimal for all work: While standing is fine for some activities, such as typing or taking a call, sitting is preferable when performing others, such as painting or writing.
    54. Now that you understand the reasoning behind sit-stand desks, we'll go over the advantages they offer.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Sit-Stand Desk

    Advocates of standing desks point to studies showing that after a meal, blood sugar levels return to normal faster on days a person spends more time standing. And standing, rather than sitting, may reduce the risk of shoulder and back pain.

     

    Sitting behind your desk all day is bad for your health, and experts have long been advising people to stand at their workstations for about 15 minutes an hour. But a University of Waterloo professor says his research shows that people should be standing for at least 30 minutes per hour to get health benefits.

     

    Those who used standing desks during the studies reported an improvement of up to 32% in their lower back and neck pain after using the desk for a period of several weeks.

     

    Standing desks won’t make you lose weight, and they also don’t make you significantly healthier or more productive, according to a new analysis of 53 sit-stand desk studies.

     

    The popular desks also improved their productivity – significantly. The study, which monitored 167 employees in a Texan call centre over six months, found that stand-capable desks employees were more productive than their colleagues in standard, seated desks.

     

    Scroll to Top