How Long to Stand at Standing Desk? [+5 Tips for Proper Use]

Do you know that a standing desk can increase your productivity by 46.4%?

And if you’re like me and love your desk but hate sitting all day long, a standing desk can be a good choice.

But how long to stand at standing desk? 

And more importantly, how can you ensure that your standing desk is helping you?

In this article, I’ll discuss the perfect timing for standing at a standing desk and five pro tips to use your desk properly.

So, let’s dig in!

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Key Takeaway

• If you’re new to standing desks, you may want to start by standing for 10-15 minutes at a time, and then gradually increase the amount of time you stand each day.
• But, if you’re somewhat used to a standing desk, then you can stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour straight.

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How Long to Stand at Standing Desk?

If you’re new to standing desks, you may want to start by standing for 10-15 minutes at a time, and then gradually increase the amount of time you stand each day.

But, if you’re somewhat used to a standing desk, then you can stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour straight.

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your health, your work schedule, and for how long can you stand.

5 Tips for Using Standing Desk Properly

A standing desk is a great way to add more movement to your day.

But just because you’re standing doesn’t mean you’re doing it right. 

Here are 5 tips for using your standing desk correctly:

1. Make Sure the Desk is Right Height

If you’re going to use a standing desk, it’s important to make sure that it’s the right desk height. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable while you’re working.

The ideal height for a standing desk is around 42 inches.

Take a look at the table below to find the best height for a standing desk for you.

Your Height	Standing Desk’s Height in cm	Standing Desk’s Height in inches
5’0”	79	31
5’ 1″	81.5	32
5’ 2”	84	33
5’ 3”	86.5	34
5’ 4”	89	35
5’ 5”	91.5	36
5’ 6”	94	37
5’ 7”	96.5	38
5’ 8”	99	39
5’ 9”	101.5	40
5’ 10”	104	41
5’ 11”	106.5	42
6’ 0”	109	43
6’ 1”	111.5	44
6’2”	114	45

Check out this blog post for the best standing desk for tall person.

2. Adjust your Monitor to Eye Level

It’s important to adjust your monitor to eye level. It’ll help you avoid neck and back pain, and will help you maintain good posture.

You can adjust the monitor’s height by

• Using a monitor stand or mount.
• Placing books or blocks underneath your monitor to raise it.

3. Use a Foot Rest or Anti-Fatigue Mat

If you’re planning to stand for an extended period, then it’s important to use a footrest or an anti fatigue mat.

By using a footrest, you can help distribute your weight more evenly which will help to reduce fatigue and leg pain.

4. Take Frequent Breaks

If you’re using a standing desk, it’s important to take breaks often to avoid becoming fatigued.

The timing of the break depends on your level of standing, for example, if you’re a beginner you should take breaks after every 15-20 minutes.

But, if you’re used to a standing desk, then take breaks after every 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Benefits of taking often breaks include:

• Reduce the risk of getting back and neck pain.
• You’ll get less tired.
• Helps avoid fatigue and muscular problems.

5. Stretch Before or After Long Use

Stretching will help you avoid any potential injuries and will also help you to stay comfortable while standing.

Here are a few stretches that you can do before and after using a standing desk:

Before

• Neck rolls.
• Shoulder shrugs.
• Arm circles.
• Torso twists.

After

• Downward-facing dog.
• Child’s pose.
• Cat/cow pose.

Neither Standing for too Long is Good nor Sitting

Studies have shown that sitting for a long period can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and death. 

One study found that every hour of television watched after the age of 25 was associated with a 21.8% increased risk of death.

Standing for too long is not an exception as well.

A study found that factory workers who stood and worked for long hours had an increased risk of death from heart disease.

Risks of Standing for too Long at a Standing Desk

A standing desk can be healthy for you, but standing at it for a long time has several risks which are no less than prolonged sitting.

Here are a few of the risks associated with standing for long periods:

1. Muscular Problems

One of the risks of standing too long at a standing desk is muscular problems.

Your leg muscles may start to feel weak and tired, and you may even start to experience cramping. 

In extreme cases, you may even start to experience muscle atrophy, which is when your muscles start to waste away.

2. Leg and Foot Pain

When you stand for long periods, the weight of your body presses down on your feet and legs. This can cause leg and foot pain, as well as muscle fatigue.

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of leg and foot pain when using a standing desk:

• Take breaks often.
• Wear supportive and comfortable shoes.
• Use a footrest.
• Stretch your legs and feet.

3. Cardiovascular Problems

Standing for long periods can cause cardiovascular problems. The human body was not designed to stand in one place for hours on end.

It can lead to problems such as 

• Lightheadedness.
• Dizziness
• Fainting.

4. Increases Blood Pressure

Standing for too long can cause your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

Over time, this can lead to problems such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and even heart disease.

If you have any kind of heart problems, then consult with your doctor before using a standing desk.

5. May Cause Fatigue

Fatigue is a common problem when standing for a long time, especially if you are not used to it.

It can cause problems with your posture and cause you to feel unsteady on your feet. In addition, fatigue can lead to more serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

FAQs

Conclusion

Prolonged standing desk use can lead to several health problems, including varicose veins, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back pain.

In this article, I’ve discussed how long to stand at standing desk and 5 tips for properly using a standing desk.

So, which tips are you going to follow while using a standing desk? Let us know in the comments.