INTERIOR: Wondering who should use a standing desk? In this article, you’ll discover the pros and cons of standing desks, how to tell if a standing desk is right for you, and what to consider when shopping for one.
While many people envision remote workers as a more laid-back crowd enjoying morning walks and afternoon naps, the opposite is often the case. Many telecommuters are rote workaholics and embrace the ability to be an early riser and burn off the late night oil. All these long hours of work can wreak havoc on the body.
We’ve all heard in recent years that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health, that includes sit too much. Some experts consider sitting down the new smoker. But in addition to the health consequences, you may simply find yourself with back pain, headaches, and fatigue from sitting too much.
That’s why standing desks have become so popular in recent times, even among people who work at home. Not to mention, they could increase your productivity.
What exactly is a standing desk?
The device is quite simple. Allows you to stand while you work. Provides an ergonomic elevation of your computer and keyboard so you can work standing up instead of sitting in a chair.
How this is accomplished varies by model. Some standing desks are always in an elevated position. Others can go up or down with the help of counterweighta crank, pneumatic cylinder, springs, or electricity.
What are the pros and cons of sit-stand desks?
When you worked in a traditional office environment, you likely had some movement throughout the day. She probably had scheduled breaks. Perhaps he had to walk to the desk of a coworker or his boss several times throughout the day. By teleworking, even these small movements are no longer necessary. Once you get into her rhythm, she may not move from the same sitting position for hours. That can put a lot of strain on your back and shoulders. Standing while you work can ease that tension.
That being said, it may not solve all of your problems. If you have poor standing posture or lock your knees while standing, this can cause other sources of pain. There are also tasks like typing that are best done from a seated position. A combination of sitting and standing throughout the day is what many people find the best solution: sit for an hour, stand for 5-15 minutes.
These specialized standing workstations can also be expensive and cumbersome to work with. You may want to test drive a few models in person before making a big investment. You may also want to have a professional set up to ensure your new desk is ergonomically correct and the correct desk height.
How can you determine if a standing desk is right for you?
Let’s start by saying that a standing desk will not help you lose weight. If your goal is to burn calories, you’ll have to succumb to physical activity.
If you’re experiencing back or neck pain that you think is associated with long hours in a sitting position, you may want to try a standing desk periodically throughout the day. However, as stated above, being on your feet all day can have its own problems. It is best to alternate your position throughout the day.
My own standing desk experience
I have my first sit stand desk many years ago. I’ve since put two more to use: a portable laptop desk and a larger version that fits two monitors. As someone with chronic back problems, they have given me a lot of relief. As with most remote workers, I can easily put in long hours depending on the season. I’m not always good at getting up for regular stretch and walk breaks. The simple movement from sitting to standing can get the blood flowing to my legs and relieve some of the stiffness.
Things to consider when looking for standing desks
Standing desks are not a one-size-fits-all option. There are many things to think about and your desktop options it can range from inexpensive DIY to several thousand dollars. Some things to consider:
- Prices
- Stability
- Easy to use
- Ergonomics
You have several options to choose from:
Fixed frame desk: A fixed frame desk will always be at standing height. It does not move up and down. This can be an inexpensive DIY option that can be accomplished by simply placing blocks under your existing desk. However, you will probably still want to sit down at some point. That can be achieved by purchasing an adjustable drafting chair.
Adjustable standing desk: height adjustable desks It can be moved up and down depending on whether you want to sit or stand. These desks can be very heavy and expensive if they are pneumatic or electric. If you choose a lighter, cheaper model, be sure to check out the stability reviews.
conversion table: A standing desk converter is simply an adjustable stand that sits on your existing desk. These can be a cheaper option than a full desk, though you do need to check your range of motion and desk space. Since they will likely raise the height of where you sit at your current desk, you may need to purchase a drafting chair if your current office chair is not as tall.
Remember. A standing desk is not a substitute for physical activity. You’re not likely to burn more calories and get in better shape if you use one. You might want to look into a treadmill desk if that’s your goal. Instead, you’ll simply enjoy relief from the stiffness and fatigue that can come from changing positions, something that isn’t so easy to do when sitting in an office chair.
