Do you know standing desks can reduce your risk of heart attack by 78.5 percent?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your health until you’re in pain or you’ve got a medical issue.
But did you know that your health can be affected by using a standing desk?
In this article, I’ll discuss how does a standing desk improve your health and 10 health benefits of standing desks.
So, let’s dive in!
Key Takeaway
- Using a standing desk improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of many diseases. Plus it aligns your spine and improves your muscle strength
- The best standing desk benefits include improved posture, increased calorie burn, and reduced back pain.
How Does a Standing Desk Improve Your Health?
A standing desk increases your blood pressure and blood flow throughout the body, which reduces the risk of many fatal diseases.
Furthermore, it aligns the spine improving posture and engaging muscles increasing muscle strength.
10 Health Benefits of Standing Desk
The health benefits of using a standing desk outshine far more than the disadvantages.
Here are 10 of the most impressive health benefits of using a standing desk:
1. Improves Blood Circulation and Lowers Sugar Level
When you’re standing, your muscles are contracting and your heart is pumping blood through your body to all your organs. This increased blood flow and circulation can have several benefits, including
- Improved brain function.
- Decreased risk of heart disease.
If you’re sitting down, the glucose has nowhere to go and so it stays in your blood, leading to an increased blood sugar level.
But, if you’re standing, the muscles in your legs contract and help to push the glucose into your cells. Where it’s used as energy, lowering your blood sugar level.
2. Increases Productivity
While standing, your body is in an “alert” state, which means you’re more likely to be productive, according to a study from Texas A&M University.
The study found that using a standing desk can increase productivity by up to 45.6%.
3. Reduces Neck and Back Pain
If you’re sitting at a desk, it is easy to slouch down and round your shoulders, which can lead to neck and back pain.
But, when you are standing at a desk, it is much easier to maintain good posture. This means that you are less likely to experience neck and back pain.
4. Burns More Calories as Compared to Sitting
One of the significant standing desk benefits is that it can help you burn more calories.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who used a standing desk burned, on average, 17% more calories (0.15 extra calories per minute) than those who sat at a desk.
A 17% increase in calories burned may not seem like a lot, but in a long term, it could add up and cause significant weight loss.
5. Tone Muscles and Improves Posture
As I’ve already said earlier that standing contracts your muscles and increases muscle strength.
While standing, your muscles have to work harder to keep you upright.
It means that standing desks can help tone your muscles, especially in your core and legs.
Additionally, standing desks helps improve posture by engaging your muscles and preventing slouching.
6. Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
Standing desk users have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who sit all day, according to a new study.
A study by the National Library of Medicine shows that who used a standing desk were found to have a 78.5% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who didn’t.
Standing desks helps you to be safe from heart diseases like
- Higher blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Heart attack.
But keep in mind that standing for a very long period can increase your risk of a heart attack.
7. Improves Mood and Energy Levels
If you’re looking for a way to boost your mood and energy levels in your workspace, a standing desk could be a good option for you.
Research by the American Journal of Health Studies shows that students who used standing desks improved their mood and energy levels by an average of 11.67%.
8. Could Reduce the Risk of Cancer
The reduced risk of cancer is one of the most significant benefits of standing desks.
Studies have linked prolonged sitting to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
So, standing can help you to reduce the risk of developing cancer of some types.
9. Lower Your Risk of Weight Gain and Obesity
Studies have shown that prolonged sitting can lead to a decrease in lifespan and an increased risk of obesity and weight gain.
I’ve discussed earlier that a standing desk helps to burn more calories, and it also helps to reduce your weight and reduce the risk of obesity.
10. May Increase Lifespan if Used Properly
A standing desk doesn’t increase your lifespan but a healthy lifestyle does.
Here’s how:
Standing at a desk helps you burn more calories and prevents you from being overweight.
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for a host of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
So by helping you maintain a healthy weight, standing desks may help you reduce your risk of these diseases.
And, standing desks may help reduce your risk of death from cancer. That’s because when you stand, you are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis, a condition that can lead to cancer.
Takeaway:
- A standing desk can increase your lifespan if you use it properly and take care of your health.
How to Use a Standing Desk Correctly to Avoid any Health Problems?
Here are a few tips on how to use a standing desk correctly to avoid any health problems:
- Make sure your standing desk is at the correct height. The desk should be high enough so that your elbows are at a 90 degree angle when typing or using a mouse. If the desk is too low, you will put unnecessary strain on your neck and shoulders. If the desk is too high, you will put strain on your wrists.
- Use an anti-fatigue mat. Standing for long periods of time can put strain on your feet, legs, and back. Using an anti-fatigue mat can help to reduce this strain and distributes your weight.
- Take breaks. Even if you are using a standing desk correctly, you should still take breaks every 20-30 minutes. Walk around, stretch, or take a quick break to sit down. This will help to avoid any potential health problems associated with standing for long periods of time.
The Risks of Sitting for Long Periods
Sitting for long periods has been linked to several health risks, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
According to a recent study, people who sit for more than 11 hours a day have a 40% greater risk of dying within the next three years.
To reduce the risks
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing health problems from sitting
- Make sure to stand up and move around after every 30 minutes or so.
- Try to find ways to be more active during your leisure time, such as taking a brisk walk and using the stairs more.
FAQs
How Long Should you Stand at a Standing Desk for?
The answer to this question of how long to stand at a standing desk depends on many factors, including your health, fitness levels, and work schedule
But, most experts agree that standing for at least 30 minutes per hour is a fair way to start getting used to a standing desk.
Is a Standing Desk Healthier Than Sitting?
Yes, a standing desk is healthier than sitting because it allows you to move around, and get your blood flowing. Furthermore, it has several other benefits that I’ve discussed in this article.
Do Standing Desks Improve Circulation?
Yes, standing desks improve circulation by getting blood flowing to every organ.
Will a Standing Desk Improve Posture?
Yes, a standing desk will improve posture because it allows you to keep your spine in alignment and avoid slouching.
Conclusion
Standing desks have become popular in recent years as more and more studies are proving the benefits of standing desks.
In this article, I’ve discussed how does a standing desk improve your health and 10 of the proven benefits of a standing desk.
So, will you consider these benefits and buy a standing desk or do you already have one? Let us know in the comments.
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