This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
If you’re like us working long hours at a desk all day, you’re probably wondering whether a standing desk is worth a change. We’ve spent hours researching medical journals and talking to experts about what they are seeing when it comes to more standing time vs. sitting all day. The good news is that you don’t have to stand all day to get significant benefits. Let’s get into it.
Introduction to Standing Desks
If you’re really in the market, our Ultimate Guide Standing Desks in 2024: Benefits, Finding your Match, & More is a good read for how to choose the right Standing desk for you. Standing desks have become increasingly popular lately because of their potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving posture, and help increase energy levels. When you work standing you can alleviate the negative effects of prolonged sitting. This holds true whether you’re working from home or in an office, as many employers have become more concerned over their employees well being and have been incorporating a standing desks to promote a healthier workspace across the globe.
What is a Standing Desk?
Standing desks are a type of desk that allows users to work while standing or sitting. They typically feature a height adjustable mechanism so you can switch between sitting and standing positions easily. These days, most are easily adjusted electronically with memory presets to remember what your desired height is.
This flexibility not only helps in maintaining good posture but also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues. You can get a standing desk that compares to competing desks with modern designs or a more traditional look, depending on what you’re looking for.
Are Standing Desks Really Better for Your Health?
The research is quite definitive – a sit to stand desk can significantly improve your health. A 2023 study from the Mayo Clinic found that people who use standing desks burn an extra 100-200 more calories per day compared to sitting all day. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to about 50,000 more calories per year. However, it’s not all about calories, as we’ll see in the next section.
What Are the Main Health Benefits of using a Standing Desk?
Back Pain Relief
We know a number of people with lower back pain and they’ve seen a significant impact since getting a quality stand up desk. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a spine specialist at Cornell University, reports that “78% of patients with chronic lower back pain showed improvement after using a standing desk for just three months.” Proper posture was the key, as was the act of sitting and standing with a height adjustable desk throughout each day.
Better Blood Sugar Control
My husband and I are health nuts and we’ve actually worn a glucose monitor to see how our blood sugar changes throughout the day and with what we eat. We found a 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine particularly interesting as they found that standing for just 30 minutes after lunch reduced blood sugar spikes by 43% compared to sitting. If you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, this is really important for you.
Improved Circulation
The combination of aging and sitting makes blood pools in your legs. Dr. Michael Chen, a vascular surgeon explained that “standing promotes better blood flow and reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis by up to 30%.” That’s significant.
Mental Health Benefits
This one surprised us a lot – a 2023 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research found that standing desk users reported:
- 32% lower stress levels
- 27% better mood
- 24% higher energy levels
Productivity Boost
According to Texas A&M University research, sit stand desk users are 46% more productive than their sitting counterparts. We’ve noticed this ourselves, especially in the afternoon. Standing after lunch kept us more alert.
What are the Risks?
It’s not all roses, so we would be remiss if we only showed you one side of the argument vs. other desks. Potential issues are:
- Foot fatigue (anti-fatigue mats are helpful)
- Varicose veins when standing for long periods without moving
- Lower back strain if your posture isn’t correct
The key is balance – mix sitting and standing throughout your day.
How Long Should You Stand in Different Standing Positions?
The research generally suggests starting slow:
- Week 1: 30-45 minutes total per day
- Week 2: 1-2 hours total per day
- Week 3+: Work up to 3-4 hours per day
We found it helpful to set a timer on your phone or calendar blocks to remind you to switch positions. After a few weeks, it becomes and everyday routine.
Who Shouldn’t Use a Sit Stand Desk?
While standing desks are great for most people, check with your doctor first if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have serious back problems
- Have circulation issues
- Have foot problems or plantar fasciitis
Choosing the Best Standing Desk
How do you choose the best standing desks for you? There are many different options out there. Whether you’re looking for a budget standing desk or something more stylish, we’ve got you covered with some of the major features below.
It’s important to think about how you will use the desk and where you can stand comfortably, what kind of desktop space you need, etc.
When choosing a standing desk, consider the following key features:
- Height Adjustment Range: Look for a desk with a height adjustment range that accommodates your sitting and standing height. A desk with a wider range of standing heights can be more versatile and comfortable to use, especially if you stand tall for a long time and want to ensure perfectly straight wrists. Check the desk height when in the seated position too to make sure that works with your chair and posture.
- Stability: A stable desk is important, obviously, so you’ll want to look for ones made from durable materials like powder coated steel. You’ll want to ensure the desk is supported by a good base, especially if you’re looking for a more spacious desktop for two monitors or more – that can add up to a lot of weight, so check the weight limit.
- Adjustability: from experience, one that is easily adjusted electronically is the best, and remember to check the height adjustments for range.
- Ergonomics: many standing desks come with an ergonomic design to promote good posture and reduces eye strain when adjusted to the perfect height. Features such as a basic keyboard trays and monitor arm can help keep everything at their ideal levels and angles whether you’re sitting or standing.
- Customization Options: some standing desks have customization options, such as different desktop sizes, shapes, and materials, to suit your needs and preferences. Rectangular standing desks are a popular choice due to their versatility and ample workspace. Some other options/accessories that are helpful are cable management trays and built in USB ports
Some popular types of height adjustable standing desks include:
- Electric Sit to Stand Desks: These desks feature an electric motor that allows users to adjust the height with the touch of a button. Some even have four memory presets. They are ideal for those looking for the perfect posture throughout the day and who want an transition between sitting and standing
- Manual Sit-Stand Desks: These desks feature a manual adjustment hand crank mechanism that. They are budget desks that can be a great option for those who don’t mind a bit of manual effort
- Rectangular Standing Desks: These desks feature a rectangular shape and are available in various sizes so make sure you have enough room.
- Budget Standing Desks: These desks are designed to be affordable and offer a range of features, including height adjustability and customization options. They are perfect for those who want the benefits of a standing desk without breaking the bank.
- Office Designed: talk to your employer, but there are plenty of office designed height adjustable desk options so you can maintain your everyday routine even when you’re in office.
We hope those options help give you a better idea of what features you should look for.
Making the Most of Your Height Adjustable Standing Desk
To maximize the health benefits:
- Get your height right (elbows at 90 degrees) and try for perfectly straight wrists
- Use an anti-fatigue mat or wear supportive shoes
- Move around while standing – the more movement the better
- Start slowly and build up gradually
In our experience, the key to success is starting slow and being consistent. My husband tried to stand all day on day one and regretted it…
What’s the Bottom Line?
The research is pretty clear – standing desks can significantly improve your health, but don’t overdo it all at once. We found that sitting and standing for smaller chunks of the day was really helpful and wasn’t overwhelming.
