What Is A Standing Desk? The Truth Behind It

With the ergonomic office’s ever-increasing popularity, it is hardly a surprise that office desks are all the rage. With the Society for Human Resource Management, calling them the employee benefit that is growing most quickly, curiosity is natural. You may think, what is a standing desk?

Well, with this article, we will be covering every query you may have. Besides telling you what these desks are, you get an in-depth look at their benefits and how to use them. So read on if you want to know, do standing desks work and whether you should get one!

What Is A Standing Desk?

Standing desks go by several other names, including stand-up desks, height-adjustable desks, or sit-stand desks. A simple standing desk definition is that it lives up to each of its titles. Its purpose is to allow you to stand as you work comfortably.

Several of the latest models come with features that allow you to adjust their height. These will let you switch between sitting and standing every few hours.

These desks can not only negate the ill effects of prolonged sitting but can also positively boost your health. They can help alleviate back pain, increase productivity, extend your lifespan, and more! Yes, standing desks positively impact your overall well-being, mental and physical.

The Benefits: Are Standing Desks Good For You?

Standing desk research links them with several health benefits backed by science. Not to mention, they are ideal for office employees who do not always have the time for a gym workout. Here are the key reasons why you may want to consider getting one yourself:

1. Alleviates Back Pain

A common complaint among office employees that spend hours on end sitting is back pain. However, studies prove that investing in a standing desk can reduce back pain by nearly 54%. A similar effect is also seen in neck pain among workers. Not to mention, these statistics come from standing for only around 66 minutes a day!

2. Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease

Research dating as far back as 1953 shows that standing can decrease the chances of suffering from heart disease. This study, performed with bus conductors and drivers, shows that the former had half the latter’s risk of heart issues.

Similar results crop up time and time again as researchers continue their studies. Sitting makes for a sedentary lifestyle, known to increase the chances of cardiovascular mortality.

3. Increases Productivity

What is a standing desk? Well, it is a furniture item with health benefits that inevitably impact your work productivity positively.  After all, it’s much easier to focus on tasks at hand when you’re not dealing with neck pain or back pain. That said, it may initially take a while to get used to it, but it will be worth it!

4. Limits Weight Gain And Obesity

Office workers who sit for long hours tend to gain weight quicker. After all, when you’re sitting in a chair all day, there isn’t a chance to burn many calories. So are you wondering, do standing desks work? Well, science proves that you can burn nearly 50 extra calories each hour when you choose to stand. So in a week, you could be burning as much as 750 calories just from standing!

5. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels And Risk Of Diabetes

After a meal, your blood sugar levels are likely to boost a bit. However, if this happens once too often, and you’ll be at risk of developing diabetes. However, according to standing desk research, when you stand for at least 185 minutes after a meal, your sugar levels will drop by at least 43%. This statistic is in comparison to spending the same amount of time sitting.

6. Boost Your Mood And Energy

Sitting and a sedentary lifestyle, in general, make you more prone to depression and anxiety. So naturally, standing has the opposite effect of boosting your mood and making you happier. You may not have expected this after reading the standing desk definition, but it is true!

According to studies, standing desks cause an increase in spirits among employees. Not to mention, it can make them feel more comfortable, focussed, energized, and happier.

How To Use A Standing Desk Correctly?

Are standing desks good for you? Well, a standing desk can help quite a bit, but that doesn’t mean you have no role to play. While using a standing desk, there are some factors you want to keep in mind. Now that you know what is a standing desk, here’s how you can ensure the answer to do standing desks work is yes.

1. Adjust The Desk To Your Elbow Height

When setting up your standing desk, lift or lower it to your elbow level. This level should be the same as your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Simultaneously, you want to keep your neck straight and your wrists laid out in front of you. The desk surface must align with your forearms.

You should be able to use your keyboard with your hands hovering over it and your wrists straight and relaxed. Doing so can help prevent arm and hand injuries.

2. Be Careful About Your Posture

When standing at your desk, ensure that your neck remains neutral and tall. Also, keep your shoulders relaxed. Along with that, consider bending your knees ever so slightly as you stand. That way, you can avoid hyperextension or locked joints.

The key to perfect posture is a neutral spine. Good posture ensures there is an ideal balance in your muscles to support your body well.

3. Keep Straight Wrists Parallel To The Desk

When working, place your wrists parallel to the desk surface and ensure they’re straight. Remember, it is acceptable for your fingers to hang downwards. However, never let your wrists reach up or down; instead, keep them neutral.

If you do not do this, your wrist may undergo continuous extension and flexion. In turn, this can raise the possibility of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrap Up

Scientists are now referring to sitting as the new smoking. So if you want to remain healthy, it is best to get on your feet! Well, standing cannot make up entirely for exercise, but it can reduce sitting’s adverse effects. Likely you already know this because you know what is a standing desk and what are its benefits.

With this article, you’ve seen a whole host of the benefits that come from using standing desks. However, you want to make sure that you’re using the desk the right way on your part. That way, you will get the most of your investment and be on your way to a healthier you!