9 True Health Benefits of a Standing Desk

A physically active lifestyle is essential to everyone’s well-being as it can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, people who sit for extended periods at their desk job often have a sedentary behavior detrimental to their health. Many studies show that this behavior is associated with multiple health risks, such as heart disease and diabetes.

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For that reason and others, alternatives to typical desks, such as standing desks, have become more prevalent in many workplaces and home offices. The ergonomic health benefits of a standing desk are countless compared to sitting at a desk-bound job. If you’ve ever suffered from back pain while working or worry about your health, then you should consider getting a standing desk.

With new products or concepts popping up in the market, there is often ambiguity surrounding them. Some people are unconvinced of the actual benefits, while others see it as a ruse to make you spend money. However, the popularity and benefits of standing desks are backed by many scientific arguments. The question of “does a standing desk burn calories” now has a unanimous affirmative answer.

Along with standing desk advantages, it is also crucial to realize that standing desks are helpful only when used and researched properly. Staying in the same position, whether sitting or standing, can be harmful and stressful for your body. Below is a guide on how to maximize the benefits of standing while working and the types of posture to avoid or practice while using a standing desk.

What Is a Standing Desk?

Standing desks, also referred to as height-adjustable desks, sit-stand desks, or stand-up desks, allow you to draw, write, and work while standing up or using a high stool. There are several types to fit your office and budget. The mental and physical health benefits are just some of the advantages of standing desks over regular office desks.

How Standing Desks Help Your Mental and Physical Health

Are standing desks good for your health? Working long hours while sitting puts people’s health at risk due to a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers may not have a choice in the matter at work but might spend evenings sitting as well.

Investing in a standing desk can considerably reduce risks such as obesity, weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes. The mental health benefits are also plentiful, improving work satisfaction.

If that still doesn’t convince you that a standing desk is worth it, consider the following nine true health benefits:

1. Reduces the Risk of Weight Gain and Obesity

Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn. Conversely, losing weight happens when you burn more calories than you consume. Standing while working can reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity by burning extra calories each hour.

Those calories add up over time, and over an entire year, the amount burnt becomes notable. Incorporate some standing desk exercises while working, such as marching in place, to burn up to 225 calories per hour while stimulating brain activity and improving productivity and energy.

2. May Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels

Lowering blood sugar levels is another benefit of a standing desk. After a meal, blood sugar can increase significantly. The more it does, the worse it can be for your health, especially for those with insulin resistance or diabetes.

A study showed that standing for three hours after lunch can reduce the sugar spike by 43% compared to sitting. Alternating between sitting and standing on a 30-minute interval after lunch reduces the blood sugar spike by 11% on average.

There may be a link between these effects and the higher risk of type 2 diabetes associated with excessive sedentary time. Implement a sit-stand routine, especially after meals.

3. May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Standing is better than sitting, as studied extensively since 1953. A study found that bus conductors who sit all day had twice the chance of dying from heart diseases compared to those standing.

Frequently sitting for extended periods can significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Even an hour of intense exercise may not compensate for the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Spending more time standing is beneficial, and the physical health benefit of a standing desk in this case is tremendous.

4. Improves Circulation

Standing improves circulation, which can lead to other health benefits. Standing at your desk enhances blood flow compared to sitting, improving circulation to extremities.

Sitting can slow down or impede circulation, leading to problems like blood clots, varicose veins, and swollen ankles. Stand, stretch, and jog in place every hour to thoroughly enjoy the health benefits of a standing desk.

5. Reduces Neck and Back Pain

Desk-bound jobs often lead to back pain. Prolonged sitting applies pressure on the lower back, straining it and potentially causing worse conditions.

Neck pains can occur if the monitor display isn’t in the proper position, causing you to tilt your head. Poor sitting posture and lack of ergonomic support can aggravate strain on the neck and lower back.

The ergonomic design of a standing desk helps prevent neck and back pain by promoting dynamic posture and reducing strain from prolonged sitting.

6. Improves Mood and Increases Energy

Sitting and working grueling hours can be stressful, leading to fatigue and lack of motivation. A standing desk can significantly affect your mood, energy, and overall well-being.

The mental and physical benefits of a standing desk provide relief to your body, prevent fatigue, and reduce psychological distress. Standing releases tension, boosting mood, energy, and productivity.

7. Raises Productivity

Some worry that standing desks may slow them down at work. Luckily, they don’t impact typical daily tasks. You only need to get used to working with a standing desk.

The desk indirectly affects productivity by improving mood, energy, and well-being. When you feel good and free from pain, focusing on tasks becomes easier, leading to a more productive workday.

8. Improves Posture

Sitting stresses your spine, especially without proper posture. Standing can relieve spinal strain and slightly improve posture. To enjoy all benefits, you need to learn how to use a sit-stand desk properly.

Start by raising your desk for 10 minutes after 50 minutes of sitting. This routine helps you gradually get accustomed to the desk, and you can start changing the ratio as you go.

Find a schedule that fits you and helps you enjoy every benefit of a standing desk.

9. It May Help You Live Longer

The overall health benefits of a standing desk contribute to a higher life expectancy. Reducing sedentary time decreases the risk of health issues, improving overall well-being and longevity.

How to Use a Standing Desk Correctly?

Standing adds the opportunity to work while standing, but are standing desks good for you? Here are some tips for using a standing desk properly.

Alternate Between Sitting and Standing

Sitting for prolonged periods is harmful, but standing all day isn’t ideal either. Find a balance between sitting and standing throughout the day. By balancing standing and sitting, you can improve overall health.

Adjust Your Desk

Adjust your standing desk properly for ergonomic comfort. The desk height should be around your elbow level, with your arms at a 90-degree angle. The screen should be at eye level, at least 20 inches away from your face.

Using Standing Desk Accessories

Anti-fatigue mats combat standing tiredness and encourage small leg muscle movements, increasing blood flow and reducing discomfort. An anti-fatigue mat is like a seat cushion, preventing excessive strain on your body.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for an autonomous electric standing desk. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the best options for your needs.

Taking Frequent Breaks

Standing desks allow you to alternate between sitting and standing, reducing muscle stress. However, mental breaks are also important. Take breaks to recharge your mind and relax your muscles, such as taking a walk or doing standing desk exercises.

How to Choose the Right Standing Desk for You?

Standing desks are widely available, and choosing the best one can be confusing. Here are some tips for selecting the right standing desk:

Quality

Invest in a reputable brand for a quality standing desk rather than opting for cheap alternatives.

Noise

Check the noise level of motorized standing desks to ensure it doesn’t disturb others around you.

Functionality

Some desks offer preset heights for easy adjustment, making them suitable for a wider range of users with different ergonomic needs.

Weight Capacity

Choose a desk with a weight capacity that meets your needs, allowing for all necessary gadgets and accessories.

Type of Desk

Hand cranks, electric, and pneumatic lifts are options for raising and lowering desks. Electric standing desks are the most efficient and user-friendly, though they are more expensive.

• Adjustable Height Desks

These desks can easily be adjusted for both sitting and standing positions, featuring electric or manual mechanisms.

• Standing Desk Converters

These units are placed on top of existing desks, providing an elevated platform for standing. They are a cost-effective option for converting a regular desk into a standing one.

• Fixed Standing Desks

Fixed standing desks have a set height and cannot be adjusted. Ensure the height is ergonomically suitable for you.

• Treadmill Desks

These desks combine a standing desk with a treadmill, allowing for movement while working to stay active throughout the day.

• Mobile Standing Desks

These desks have wheels or casters for easy mobility, providing flexibility and frequent workspace changes.

• Corner Standing Desks

Corner standing desks maximize space with a larger work surface, suitable for those needing ample desk space.

Regardless of the type, all standing desks aim to let you work while standing, improving ergonomic workspace and health. The most basic type, a fixed-height standing desk, lacks the essential feature of adjustability.

Height-adjustable standing desks come in manual and electric types. Manually adjustable desks are cheaper but require more effort to change heights.

Electric height-adjustable desks are the most comfortable and efficient option, allowing quick and quiet height adjustments. They promote a dynamic posture by making it easy to switch between sitting and standing.

DIY electric standing desk frames are a good option for setting up a home office standing desk. L-shaped models are available for corner offices and can fit various workspace needs.

Purchasing the best standing desk you can afford is a worthwhile investment. If you can’t cover the cost, a desk riser is more affordable and can be helpful.

Adjustable standing desks may benefit your health, but only if used properly. The Autonomous Desk can be used for sitting or standing and will notify you if you’ve done either for too long. It also learns, talks, organizes, and manages appliances.

This isn't the first standing desk designed to remind users to stand up more or take breaks. The MisterBrightLight desk also does this but lacks the functionality of the Autonomous Desk.

First things first – the desk is a 120-lb (54-kg) piece of kit, with white, black or grey steel legs, and a choice of an oak, walnut, or bamboo top. It's also available with a black or white veneer. The tabletop, with an ergonomic indentation for the user's body, measures 53 x 30 in (135 cm x 76 cm) and can hold up to 350 lb (159 kg).

The desk height can be adjusted via a motorized mechanism using buttons on the desk or an accompanying app for iOS and Android devices. It has a minimum height of 24.5 in (62 cm) and a maximum height of 47 in (119 cm). Simple features include a wireless charging pad, a USB charging slot, and a hook for hanging a bag.

The Autonomous Desk has an ergonomic indentation for the user's body

Additionally, users can save preferred heights, minimizing the need to constantly adjust the desk. The desk can sense when users arrive at work and automatically adjust to the preferred standing height.

The Autonomous Desk connects with health and fitness trackers. If a user has been sitting for long periods, it suggests standing up. If it detects extensive exercise, it suggests sitting down.

The desk comes with a preset training plan that gradually increases suggested standing time. Initially, it suggests standing for 20-30 minutes with long seated breaks, eventually increasing standing time. It learns user preferences, adjusting suggestions accordingly, or users can set their own schedule.

The Autonomous Desk has accompanying iOS and Android apps for control

Users can interact with the desk via voice commands, receiving spoken notifications. The desk can read messages, make appointments, place food orders, play music via its speakers, and manage smart home appliances like thermostats and lights.

The Autonomous Desk is compatible with devices like Nest, LIFX, Philips Hue, and Lockitron. Developers can create apps for the desk, which is based on Android.

A Kickstarter campaign for the Autonomous Desk has tripled its target with 11 days to go. Pledges from $399 can receive one of the desks, with delivery expected from July.

Watch the video below for the Kickstarter pitch for the Autonomous Desk:

The Autonomous Desk: SmartDesk - World's First Smart Standing Office That Talks and Listens.

Learn more by visiting our website for the best affordable electric standing desk.