The Benefits of Standing at Work
A few years ago, health experts began to discover the benefits of using a standing desk at work. After all, the effects of a sedentary lifestyle include many conditions such as weight gain, spine problems, back pain, heart issues, and many more! If you have been thinking about trying to include some healthy habits and better ergonomics into your work day, consider a standing desk. Before you decide on whether or not a standing desk would make a good addition to your office furniture, there are some things you might want to know.
The Effects of Sitting at your Desk
Many people do not consider the effects that sitting all day can have on your body. The fact is that sitting all day is so bad that it can’t even be outdone by exercise. Evolutionary biologist and writer for the New York Times, Olivia Judson says:
“It doesn’t matter if you go running every morning, or you’re a regular at the gym. If you spend most of the rest of the day sitting — in your car, your office chair, on your sofa at home — you are putting yourself at increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, a variety of cancers and an early death. In other words, irrespective of whether you exercise vigorously, sitting for long periods is bad for you.”
Because of these issues, a popular trend is standing desks. There are many benefits of standing while working. Along with increased muscle activity that goes along with standing, those who stand at work also move around more, which leads to:
- burning more calories
- lower levels of triglycerides and fats in the blood
- better processing of glucose (high levels of glucose lead to diabetes and heart disease)
- increased alertness and better moods
Many researchers claim that continual standing is actually more beneficial than regular exercise. Exercising has proven benefits, of course. But those who stand at work gain more benefits from the constant (though almost non-perceivable) increase in muscle activity that standing encourages. Simple, frequent movement may have longer term benefits than regular exercise.
Tips for Standing at Work
In order to maximize your comfort and ergonomics while standing at your desk, your monitor should be at eye level, and your desktop should be at the height of your hands when your elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle.
If you decide that you would benefit from a standing desk, there are some things to keep in mind in order for you to get the most out of your decision. First, don’t just immediately begin standing for 8 or 9 hours a day. In order for your back and leg muscles to adjust, it is best to gradually work up to a full day of standing.
Because you will most likely want the option of sitting, it might be best for you to invest in an adjustable desk. In order to allow the option of sitting, there are many desks available from quality office furniture manufacturers like Hon, Allsteel, and SurfaceWorks that adjust to a custom height either electrically or manually.
Still, another option is the Quickstand from Humanscale. This stand sits on your existing desk, and allows you to raise and adjust the height of your keyboard and monitor; allowing you to turn your desk into an ergonomic standing desk quickly and effortlessly.
The Best Sit-to-Stand Desks at Workspace Solutions
Whether you need an adjustable sit-to-stand desk, or just would like to add a standing option to your existing desk, Workspace Solutions in Fort Wayne can help you find any kind of desk you’d like. They are experts in space design and ergonomics and will help you to make sure that your office furniture is providing maximum comfort, boosting your productivity, and promoting your overall health.
