Are standing desks healthy? Gaining back health can be a difficult challenge to face.
Standing desks are a modern trend that has been in use for years.
In this article, I’ll discuss whether are standing desks healthy or not and some of the benefits and drawbacks of standing desks.
So let’s dig in!
Key Takeaway
- A standing desk is healthy for most people because it helps to improve their posture and decrease their risk of heart attack and cancer.
What is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk is a desk that is designed to be used while standing to avoid neck and back pain.
Standing desks can be adjustable so that you can raise or lower the desk to suit your needs.
Standing desks can be used for a variety of purposes, including
- Working
- Studying
- Gaming
Are Standing Desks Healthy?
Standing at your desk all day may be making you healthier than ever before. But is it still good for you?
Standing indeed burns more calories than sitting down, but there are other factors to consider.
If you spend most of your day sitting in a chair or on a couch, standing up is better for your health than sitting all day.
Benefits of Standing Desks
Standing desks are beneficial for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits of standing desks:
1. Improves Posture
Some research suggests that standing desks can help improve posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
If you have a desk job, chances are you spend a lot of time sitting down, which can lead to slouching and poor posture.
Using a standing desk can help to combat these issues.
2. Better Blood Circulation
When you sit all day, your muscles are in a constant state of tension, and your blood flow slows.
This can lead to a host of health problems, including
- varicose veins
- deep vein thrombosis
- and even heart disease.
But when you stand, your muscles are relaxed and your blood can flow more.
3. Less Neck and Back Pain
People who used a standing desk reported less neck and back pain than those who sat at a desk all day.
If you suffer from neck and back pain, make sure to give a standing desk a try.
4. Burns More Calories
When you stand, your muscles are working to keep you upright.
This means that your body is burning more calories than if you were sitting.
So, a standing desk may be the way to go if you’re looking to burn a few extra calories.
5. Increases Productivity
The standing desk is a simple, effective way to increase productivity.
Following are some factors that increase the productivity of a standing desk user.
- Users take more breaks: Taking more breaks has been shown to lead to increased productivity.
- Due to improved posture: Improving posture has been linked to an increase in productivity.
- Due to increase in blood flow: It improved the blood flow and increased blood flow has been linked to increased productivity.
6. Reduces the Risk of Weight Gain
One of the most significant health benefits of standing desks is that they can help reduce the risk of weight gain.
Weight gain is the main problem in our society, and it is only getting worse.
Standing desks can help to combat this problem by burning more calories than sitting down.
One study found that standing up for just an hour a day can burn an extra 207 calories.
7. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
Many studies have found that standing desks can help lower blood sugar levels.
The participants were asked to stand for some hours, while their blood sugar levels were monitored.
The results showed that blood sugar levels dropped during the standing period, and remained low for the rest of the day.
8. Reduces Risk of Heart Attack
One of the health risks associated with prolonged sitting is an increased risk of a heart attack.
A recent study found that standing desks can help to reduce this risk.
But keep in mind that standing too much can increase the risk of a heart attack so, keep taking several small breaks in your work.
Drawbacks of Standing Desks
Along with all these benefits, we shouldn’t ignore the drawbacks of using a standing desk.
Following are some of the drawbacks of using a standing desk.
1. Can Be Tiring
For some people, standing desks can be quite tiring – especially if they are not used to standing for long periods.
There are a few ways to combat this issue.
- Take a short walk around the office or room
- Maintain the right desk height for you
2. May Cause Discomfort in Feet
Standing for long periods can cause discomfort in the feet.
Additionally, standing can cause the feet to swell and the blood vessels in the feet to constrict, which can lead to discomfort.
To avoid this problem
- Give your feet and fingers motion after some time
- Wear comfortable shoes
3. May Cause Headache
If you spend a lot of time working at a standing desk, you might start to experience headaches.
This is because you are not getting the proper blood flow to your head and neck.
The muscles in your head and neck can also start to tense up from being in the same position for too long.
To avoid this
- Try sitting down for a while
- Take a head and neck massage
How To Use a Standing Desk Correctly?
There are many benefits to using a standing desk, but it’s important to use it correctly to avoid any potential health risks.
To take full advantage of your standing desk you need to know how to use it correctly which includes
- The correct height of the desk
- Use of mat
- Arms and elbow placement
Following are some of the ways to get started with a standing desk correctly
Invest in a Quality Standing Desk
To get started with the standing desks you should invest in a good quality standing desk to improve your health and productivity.
There are a few things to consider while buying a standing desk such as
- Height
- Size
- Budget
My recommendation for a good quality standing desk is Totnz Memory Electric Desk.
Start Slow
If you’re not used to standing for long periods, it’s important to start slowly.
Begin by standing for a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase the amount of time standing at a standing desk each day.
Correct Height of the Standing Desk
Some people believe that the desk should be at elbow height, while others believe that it should be at waist height.
There are a few things to consider when determining the correct height for your standing desk.
- Consider your height and adjust the desk
- think about how you will be using the desk (for typing, studying, etc)
Take Breaks
Above in the text, I’ve given a lot of focus on taking frequent breaks while using a standing desk.
As this will help to avoid any potential health problems that may occur from standing for long periods.
To take a break
- Sit down for a few minutes every hour
- Use a stool or chair
- Take a walk
- Stand on one leg for some seconds and then the other
Use a Supportive Surface
It is important to use a supportive surface.
This will help to keep your spine in alignment and prevent you from experiencing pain in your lower back or legs.
There are a few options for supportive surfaces like
- an anti-fatigue mat
- raised platform made of wood or metal
Whichever option you choose, make sure that you are comfortable and that your spine is properly aligned.
How To Choose The Best Standing Desk?
When it comes to choosing the best standing desk, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
1. Consider your budget
How much are you willing to spend on a standing desk?
There are many affordable options available, so you don’t have to break the bank to get a good-quality desk.
2. Think about the size of the desk
Do you need a large desk to accommodate a laptop, documents, and other office supplies?
Or would a smaller desk be more suitable for your needs?
3. Consider The Height of The Desk
Most standing desks are adjustable, so you can find a height that’s comfortable for you.
If you’re taller or shorter than average, you may want to look for a desk that has a wider range of height adjustability.
4. Think About The Features You Need
There are a few key features to keep in mind while choosing a standing desk
- make sure that the desk has a sturdy base.
- the desk has enough space for you to work comfortably
- the desk has a smooth surface
Conclusion
While there is still some debate on the matter, standing desks are generally considered to be healthy for you.
They can help you burn more calories, improve your posture, and reduce your risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
In this article, I’ve discussed the 8 benefits and drawbacks of standing desks that will help you decide that are standing desks healthy or not.
What do you think are standing desks healthy? Let us know in the comments.