You might be surprised to know that by standing at your desk instead of sitting, you can burn a significant number of extra calories each day.
But how many calories does a standing desk burn? And is it worth making the switch from sitting?
Let’s find out in this blog post!
Key Takeaway
- A standing desk burns about 187 calories per hour, which is 47 calories more than sitting at a desk.
- You can increase your calorie burn on a standing desk by making it a little higher, taking regular breaks, and drinking plenty of water.
How Many Calories Does a Standing Desk Burn?
A standing desk burns about 187 calories per hour.
Also, standing desks can help to increase your metabolism.
When you stand, your body has to work harder to pump blood to your brain and other organs.
It means that your metabolism is running at a higher rate, and you are burning more calories.
| No of Hours | Calories Burned on Standing Desk |
| 1 hour | 187 calories |
| 2 hours | 374 calories |
| 3 hours | 561 calories |
| 4 hours | 748 calories |
| 5 hours | 935 calories |
| 6 hours | 1,122 calories |
| 7 hours | 1,309 calories |
| 8 hours | 1,496 calories |
Sitting Desk vs. Standing Desks: Calories Burn
According to a study, a standing desk burns about 187 calories per hour while a sitting desk burns about 139 calories.
A standing desk burns 47 calories more than a traditional sitting desk.
How Can I Increase my Calorie Burn and Fat Loss With Standing Desks?
About burning calories and losing fat, every little bit counts.
You can increase your calorie burn and fat loss with a standing desk by following these tips:
- Drink more water.
- Take breaks after every 20 minutes.
- Try to stand more on a standing desk during the day.
- Include some cardio in your daily routine, then standing will burn even more calories.
Other Benefits of Using a Standing Desk
As a standing desk burns more calories, there are a few other benefits that are worth mentioning.
1. Increases Productivity
In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s more important than ever to be productive. And one way to boost your productivity is to invest in a standing desk.
The use of a standing desk has been shown to increase productivity by as much as 45%.
2. Reduces Stress
A standing desk can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
A 7-week study found that people who used standing desks were less stressed and increased energy and vigor.
3. Improves Posture
Standing desks improve posture by keeping you in an upright position and forcing you to use your muscles to stay upright.
It can help to strengthen the muscles that support your spine and help to improve your posture over time.
4. Reduces Back and Neck Pain
Studies have shown that using a standing desk can help reduce back and neck pain.
When you stand, your spine is in its natural alignment. This takes the pressure off of your discs and nerves and can help to reduce pain.
5. Improves Overall Health
There are many health benefits associated with using a standing desk, including
- Improved blood circulation.
- Increased calorie burn.
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Some Drawbacks of Using a Standing Desk
Despite the standing desk is healthy, there are a few drawbacks to using a standing desk even if you have the best standing desk.
1. Can Be Tiring
If you’re not used to standing too much, you can get tired very after standing for a couple of minutes.
Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable while using a standing desk:
- Start slowly.
- Take breaks after every 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
2. May Cause Headache
Standing too much on a standing desk can increase your heart rate, which may cause headaches for some people.
Some other reasons for having a headache can be:
- Dehydration.
- Not taking frequent breaks.
- Due to eye strain because of watching the screen all day.
3. Uncomfortable for Feet
If you’re not used to standing for long periods, your feet can start to feel uncomfortable and even sore.
There are a few things you can do to make standing more comfortable for your feet.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Take breaks often.
- Invest in a good quality anti-fatigue mat.
FAQs
Can Standing Burn More Calories Than Sitting?
Yes, standing burns more calories than sitting because you are using more muscles to maintain your balance.
How Many Calories Does Sitting Burn?
While sitting, the average person burns around 139 calories per hour.
How Many Calories Are Burned in Standing for 8 Hours?
If you stand for 8 hours, you will burn around 1,496 calories.
Does a Standing Desk Reduce Belly Fat?
A standing desk may help to reduce belly fat but only if you maintain a caloric deficit.
Will I Lose Weight if I Stand all day?
Yes, you will lose weight if you stand all day.
But, add some sort of cardio exercise to increase the caloric burn and lose weight fastly.
Conclusion
Standing desks have many health benefits including increased calorie burn.
In this article, I’ve discussed how many calories does a standing desk burn and presented some real studies.
Furthermore, I’ve also discussed some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a standing desk.
What do you think is using a standing desk a viable option for burning fat?