9 Disadvantages of Standing Desk [Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy]

Standing desks have become a popular way to work in the past few years, but what are the disadvantages of this type of desk? 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss 9 of the disadvantages of standing desks and whether it’s worth it or not.

So, let’s dive in!

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Key Takeaway

• Some disadvantages of standing desks are that they can be expensive, and it can be hard to find the right height.
• There are other disadvantages too, such as swelling in the tissues, pain in the back and legs, and discomfort and muscular problems.

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9 Disadvantages of Standing Desk

The disadvantages of standing desks are not well known among people, but they exist.

Following are 9 proven disadvantages of standing desk.

Tissue Swelling

When you stand for long periods, the blood in your legs and feet can pool and cause tissue swelling. This can be very uncomfortable and your legs and feet can get tired from standing.

To avoid this

• Use an anti-fatigue mat.
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Take frequent breaks.

Dangerous Spinal Pressure

When you work at a standing desk, you are putting a lot of pressure on your spine. This can cause dangerous spinal pressure. 

When you stand for long periods, the pressure on your spine can increase. This can make your back and neck uncomfortable. 

It can also lead to problems with your posture. If you have a bad posture, it can lead to more health problems.

To avoid this

• Make sure your workstation is at the correct height.
• Stretch your back and neck muscles regularly.
• Avoid slouching or leaning forward for long periods.

Distracts From Healthier Habits

Standing at a standing desk can distract you from several healthy habits like

1.  You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re focused on work, but it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

If you find yourself constantly reaching for coffee or energy drinks, it’s not a good sign that you’re not drinking enough water.

Make a habit of keeping a water bottle on your desk and taking a few sips throughout the day. 

You’ll be surprised how much more energized you feel!

2.  You’re Not Taking Breaks

Standing for long periods can be tiring, so it’s important to take breaks often. If you find yourself working straight through lunch or taking very few breaks throughout the day, you’re putting your health at a risk.

To avoid this

• Place a water bottle on your desk, so that you don’t forget to drink water.
• Get rid of any distractions in your environment.

Causes Inactivity

When you’re inactive, you’re not burning calories or improving your cardiovascular health. Being inactive can lead to weight gain and other health problems

That’s why it’s important to make sure you get up and move around often, even if you have a standing desk or sit stand desk.

To avoid this

• Try to wiggle your toes and move your feet around often to keep the blood flowing.
• Shift your weight from one foot to the other often.

Greater Fatigue

Standing for a longer period is not good for you. It can lead to joint and back pain and swelling. 

Standing increases your productivity by 46.6% but standing for an extended period can cause great fatigue.

To avoid this

• Use an anti-fatigue mat and comfortable shoes.
• Take breaks often.
• Keep your back straight and your head up while standing.

Leg Discomfort

After a few hours of standing, your feet will feel pain enough between two legs. The whole feet will be burning. 

Furthermore, working at a standing desk improperly could damage your muscles.

To avoid this

• Keep your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Be sure to consult with your doctor before using a standing desk

Suboptimal Calorie Burn

Standing consumes more calories than sitting and standing and it takes more muscle to stabilize posture. 4-hour standing causes 100 to 200 calories to be burned. 

But, you can burn more calories by a brisk walk.

To avoid this

• Add cardio before or after your work routine.
• Eat healthy snacks and meals.

Venous Insufficiency

When you stand, the force of gravity pulls blood down into your leg veins, and your veins have to work harder to pump the blood back up to your heart. 

Over time, this can cause the valves in your veins to weaken, and blood to pool in your legs.

To avoid this

• Try to keep your knees slightly bent.
• Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor.

Foot pain

Your feet are under constant pressure when you stand still. 

The fat pad underside of each foot helps our feet to protect the muscles and joints from excessive force.

To avoid this

• Massage your feet.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Soak your feet in warm water or make them in contact with ice for 5-10 seconds.

What is the Best Way to Stay Healthy While Sitting at a Desk?

The best way to stay healthy while sitting at a desk is to make sure that you have a comfortable chair that supports your back.

Take breaks often to move around and try to keep your desk area clean and organized. 

Additionally, you can try to eat healthy foods and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Are Standing Desks Overrated?

Are standing desks overrated? That’s for you to decide. 

If you think a standing desk is healthy and could help you, then give it a try. But if you’re not sure, you may want to stick with a sitting desk or a traditional desk.

What is the Best Way to Reduce the Risk of Sitting?

Sitting for a long period can be very dangerous for your health. To reduce the risk of sitting consider doing the following:

• Avoid long periods sitting in front of the tv.
• You should stand or walk while on the phone.
• And use the stairs as much as possible.

What are the Pros and Cons of Standing Desk?

The pros of a standing desk are that 

• It can help to improve your poor posture.
• Increase your alertness and productivity.
• Burn more calories than sitting. 

The cons of a standing desk are that 

• It can be tiring to stand for long periods.
• You may need to invest in a surface to stand on like an anti-fatigue mat.

Is a Standing Healthy?

Experts believe that spending a long time standing can lead to health problems such as varicose veins, back pain, and foot pain. 

Additionally, those who stand for long periods are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 

While there are some health risks associated with standing, there are also some health benefits. 

The decision of whether to stand for extended periods is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a doctor or health care provider.

FAQs

Conclusion

The disadvantages of standing desks are no more than the advantages.

In this article, I’ve discussed the 9 advantages of standing desks and the reasons why you shouldn’t buy one.

So, do you have a standing desk, if yes, then what are some other disadvantages of using a standing desk? Let us know in the comments.