Are Standing Desks Worth It? An Honest Opinion
As someone deeply interested in optimising my workspace for health and productivity, I’ve tested many furniture types to find the right fit to boost my efficiency; one such is the standing desk, which is touted as the ideal alternative to prolonged sitting.
The narrative that “sitting is the new smoking” has taken root, primarily due to numerous studies linking prolonged sitting to a host of health issues — ranging from heart disease to diabetes. This revelation has understandably led to a surge in the popularity of standing desks.
But it begs the question: Are standing desks genuinely the solution they’re made out to be, or is this another fleeting health trend? In this post, I’ll share my journey and insights on the value of standing desks and how to integrate them effectively.
The Reality of Sitting vs. Standing
The truth is that humans aren’t designed to be stationary for extended periods. Even though many of us take short breaks to grab lunch or chat with colleagues, these sporadic movements aren’t enough to counteract the effects of sitting all day.
Research suggests that sitting for more than eight hours daily can be as detrimental to our health as smoking or obesity, primarily because it limits the body’s natural movements and circulation.
However, it’s crucial to note that standing is not a magic bullet. Studies indicate that the calorie burn difference between sitting and standing is minimal. Standing burns roughly 1.36 calories per minute, whereas sitting burns about 1.02 calories per minute.
And while standing may alleviate neck and back strain, it introduces unique challenges, such as fatigue from prolonged standing.
My Take on Standing Desks
After considering the evidence, I concluded that standing desks can be a valuable addition to a health-conscious workspace — if used correctly.
This difference may seem small, but it can add up over time. For example, you could burn anywhere from 15 to 30 more calories just by swapping 3 hours of sitting for standing.
The key advantage lies not in standing but in the dynamic movement it encourages. Integrating a standing desk with regular breaks for moderate physical activity can significantly mitigate the effects of sedentary behavior.
Benefits of Standing Desks
Standing desks’ popularity in recent years is due to their potential health benefits. Here are some of the advantages:
- Health Benefits: Standing intermittently throughout the day can help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. I’ve found that standing helps me feel more energised and less cramped, especially in my neck and lower back.
- Flexibility and Control: Using a height-adjustable standing desk offers the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing. This adaptability allows for a more personalised and comfortable workspace.
- Boosted Productivity: An unexpected benefit of using a standing desk has been a noticeable uptick in my productivity. The act of standing invigorates my mind, making those last few hours of work feel less demanding on my mind.
- Enhanced Collaboration: In office settings, standing desks can foster a more dynamic and collaborative environment. I find engaging with my peers and navigating my workspace easier when I’m not tethered to a chair.
The Often Unspoken Drawbacks of Standing Desks
While they offer numerous potential health benefits, there are several often unspoken negative implications associated with standing desks that you must consider before making the switch.
#1 — Adverse Health Effects
Extended periods at a standing desk without movement can lead to leg and foot pain due to increased pressure on knees and hips. Shifting weight from one foot to another is often only a temporary fix.
While rare, prolonged standing can cause varicose veins, a condition characterised by enlarged and twisted veins, often visible under the skin. This occurs due to blood pooling in the legs and feet, which can progress over time to chronic and painful varicose veins and inflammation.
Excessive standing also causes the joints in the spine, hips, knees, and feet to become temporarily immobilised. It’s crucial to balance periods of standing with walking and sitting to promote healthy circulation and prevent these issues.
#2 — Lack of Proper Guidance
Jumping on the standing desk bandwagon without fully understanding how to use it often leads to more harm than good.
Many people fail to recognise that standing desks aren’t a substitute for regular exercise.
In fact, studies recommend regular intermittent exercising, whether you’re using a standing desk or a regular sitting desk. They burn slightly more calories than sitting desks but aren’t a fitness solution.
Integrating movement and exercise into the standing desk routine is essential for reaping the full benefits without inviting muscle tension or poor circulation.
#3 — The Cost Factor
The initial investment in a standing desk is notably higher than traditional sitting desks. Likewise, the added complexity of their design means there’s more that can go wrong, potentially leading to higher maintenance or replacement costs and injuries. When I shopped for mine, ensuring it had a solid warranty was a top priority.
Types of Standing Desks
Understanding the types of standing desks available helped me make an informed decision based on my needs and workspace constraints.
Standing Only Desks
These are the simplest form, fixed in height and offering minimal ergonomic benefits. Before choosing, ensure the height is a perfect fit. Using a desk height calculator is a wise move to ensure ergonomic compatibility with your standing posture.
Height-Adjustable Standing Desks
This category allows flexibility to switch between sitting and standing. There are mechanically adjustable desks, which I found a bit cumbersome for frequent height adjustments, and electrically adjustable desks, which offer convenience with the push of a button.
For those looking for a compromise, convertible accessories like a sit-stand desk converter can transform your existing sitting desk into a standing one, providing convenience and flexibility.
Exercise Standing Desks
These are the newest entrants to the standing desk scene, including treadmill and bike desks, designed to infuse your workday with physical activity.
While they offer significant health benefits by combating sedentary behavior, there’s a learning curve. Plus, they introduce new forms of strain and increase the risk of workspace injuries.
Should You Buy a Standing Desk?
Deciding between a standing desk and a traditional sitting one is a personal journey. While standing desks have unique benefits, enhancing both productivity and health, it’s critical to remember that you might achieve similar health benefits with a sitting desk if you incorporate regular exercise breaks into your day.
I’ve found breaking my workday into segments with at least ten minutes of moderate exercise in between can be just as effective. However, for those times when taking a break seems impossible, a sit-stand desk is the solution you need.
You do not have to decide alone. Before deciding, I contacted friends and colleagues who had already taken the plunge. Their experiences, both positive and negative, provided valuable insights beyond the general pros and cons I’d read about online.
Maximising the Benefits of Standing Desks
To really benefit from a standing desk, ergonomics cannot be overlooked. Here are seven ways I ensured my standing desk setup promotes health rather than harm:
- Adjustment is Key: Ensuring the desk height aligns with your elbows and allows your shoulders to remain relaxed is crucial to avoid strain. If necessary, a monitor stand can help achieve the ideal positioning, keeping your neck straight and wrists at surface level to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Consider a Balance Board: Initially, maintaining my posture was challenging, but a balance board made a significant difference. It improved my balance and made standing more engaging. When choosing one, ensure it’s the right fit for your space and doesn’t introduce additional strain.
- Alternate Regularly: Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day has been my golden rule. This approach mitigates the health risks associated with prolonged periods in either position. I divide my day into segments, switching between sitting and standing to maintain balance.
- Incorporate Exercise: While there’s a slight risk of injury, integrating exercise into my standing desk routine keeps my body and brain more active. Options like a foldable exercise bike or an under-desk treadmill work well.
- Invest in an Anti-Fatigue Mat: Standing for extended periods can be taxing, but an anti-fatigue mat can help reduce stress and fatigue. These mats are essential for anyone planning to use their standing desk extensively.
- Pair with an Ergonomic Chair: The benefits of a standing desk can be diminished by an uncomfortable chair. When sitting becomes necessary, a proper ergonomic chair ensures the transition is beneficial.
- Don’t Forget to Break: No matter how pressing the deadlines, taking short breaks has proven invaluable for my health, productivity, and mood. These breaks are crucial, regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing.
Ready to Make the Switch?
As the debate around standing desks continues, the consensus among researchers and experts leans towards their benefits outweighing those of traditional sitting desks.
This guide is a culmination of my exploration into standing desks, offering insights on how to use them effectively and whether they’re worth the investment for your health and productivity.
For those looking to dive deeper, read my comprehensive thoughts in the full article on expertEasy.
