Why Should I Buy A Standing Desk?

There was a time when standing desks were considered somewhat of an oddity; they were utilised by eccentrics such as Hemingway, Dickens, and Kierkegaard, but they were rarely seen in conventional office settings. Research has shown that the cumulative effect of sitting all day for years on end is related with a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer. This has led to a shift of attitude, which is largely responsible for the transformation. As a result of the fact that the typical office worker spends 5 hours and 41 minutes a day sitting at their desk, some people have taken to describing the problem with a pithy new phrase that is undeniably catchy, despite the fact that it is somewhat exaggerated: "Sitting is the new smoking."

Standing desks have been on the market for quite some time, but their popularity is only just beginning to grow as more people become aware of the benefits that working at a standing desk genuinely brings for the body.

According to a number of studies, those who choose a sedentary lifestyle and/or whose jobs require them to sit for extended periods of time are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and a lower life expectancy. The expression "sitting disease" is frequently used to refer to this cluster of symptoms. Even worse, the long-term impacts of sitting for lengthy periods of time cannot easily be offset by engaging in physical activity or changing one's diet.

Even if you only stand while working for 30 minutes at a time, doing so for four hours or more every day can have a significant positive effect on your health and body, and it is not difficult to achieve this position if you have the appropriate tools. Sit-Stand workstations, also known as height-adjustable desks or standing desks, are all the rage and make it very easy to alter position while working during the day. Standing desks are another name for sit-stand desks. For instance, this one allows for the height of the desktop to be easily adjusted, and it also features a swivelling chair that can be moved out of the way when the user is standing.

When one considers our everyday habits, such as sitting at our computers and sitting in their cars, it should not come as much of a surprise that we do this. The primary difficulty with this is that human bodies were not designed to spend the most of the day sitting in one position without moving. Sitting for extended periods of time has a significant negative influence on both our health and our well-being.

This can include strain on our necks, herniated discs, muscular degeneration, and weaker bones, and these are just some of the issues that can arise from sitting for an extended period of time. By incorporating a standing desk into your workspace, you will not only be able to alleviate these symptoms, but you will also allow your body the opportunity to reap the numerous health benefits that come along with doing so.

It can be beneficial to your body to be able to switch between standing and sitting postures, as this can assist lessen the amount of physical strain that your body is forced to go through. Your level of activity at work will increase, as will your productivity throughout the day as a result.

The London Spine Clinic suggests using a sit-stand desk since it allows you to work in a comfortable position regardless of whether you are standing or sitting when using it. It allows you the opportunity to change your posture in order to reduce the hazards to your health that are linked with sitting for extended periods of time. Visit the webpage listed here.

Where Standing Desks First Came From

Standing desks are not a new concept by any stretch of the imagination. The likes of Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway, and Charles Darwin are some of the names that come to mind. are just a few of the well-known philosophers, authors, and politicians who have been known to enhance their posture and increase their focus by working at standing desks.

The logic regarding standing desks is solid; a meta-analysis of relevant research indicates that prolonged sitting consistently is associated with significantly higher rates of death. This finding supports the idea that standing desks are beneficial. Consequently, if we follow this line of thinking, standing should solve this issue. Correct?

Unfortunately, there is no clear response to that question. We don't fully understand why sitting for long periods of time is so unhealthy, which is one reason why providing a solution to this topic is challenging. We are aware that it is detrimental to your body position and that it creates difficulties with circulation. Additionally, it is a strong indicator of obesity, despite the fact that this condition is more of a lifestyle problem than one that is directly connected to sitting. Therefore, if poor posture and weight gain are the key problems associated with sitting, may standing desks be the solution?

What Is a Standing Desk?

Simply put, a standing desk, which is sometimes referred to as a stand-up desk, is a desk that is designed to allow you to work while standing up in comfort. In many contemporary designs, the height of the work surface may be adjusted so that the user can switch between sitting and standing as needed.

Height-adjustable desks, often known as sit-stand desks, are another name for these kinds of workstations. A standing desk is a type of desk that raises your complete working surface to a higher level so that you can continue working while standing. Your computer, monitors, lamps, and various other desktop accessories can be safely stored on one of these desks without the risk of the items toppling over or falling off. Your day at work will be exactly the same as it has been up to this point, with the exception that you will spend more time standing.

There are several variants of standing desks available today, such as height-adjustable sit-stand desks and risers (the distinctions between the two will be discussed further on in this article). As a result, it should not be difficult for you to find an alternative that is suitable for your preferences and requirements.

It would appear that using a standing desk may have significant positive effects on one's health, despite the fact that research into the topic is still in its infancy. Productivity might also go up as a result of it. The use of a workstation like this can, at the absolute least, help mitigate some of the negative effects that come from sitting for long periods of time.

Who Should Use a Standing Desk?

Anyone who has an interest in using a standing desk can, and most likely should, go out and purchase one for themselves. On the other hand, standing desks come highly recommended for individuals who spend the most of their day sitting at a desk and for those who are largely sedentary, particularly outside of or in addition to the typical work hours of Monday through Friday.

It is much simpler to incorporate a little bit more movement into your day if you work at a standing desk or even one that allows you to switch positions. And of course, if you are going to go with a hybrid desk that will enable you to switch between sitting and standing, you should help yourself out by also purchasing a top-rated office chair to make sure that your spine, back, and neck are taken care of when you are sitting at your desk. This will ensure that you are able to sit for extended periods of time without experiencing discomfort.

Is Working at a Standing Desk Preferable to Sitting?

There isn't a lot of evidence to support the contention that sitting for long periods of time is harmful, in part because there haven't been many studies conducted on the subject, and in another part because the results simply aren't persuasive. To put it another way, we do not have sufficient evidence to assert that standing workstations are healthier for you.

Here is the information that we do have. When compared to sitting desks, standing desks were found to alleviate pain in the upper back and neck, as well as enhance overall happiness. The research was published in 2011 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even while this seems like a compelling argument, there are two major problems with this conclusion: 1) There is probably at least some involvement of a placebo effect with the latter, and 2) The study did not examine the downsides of using a standing desk. Continue reading here.

The Effects on Orthopedic Health

Regarding the subject of orthopaedic health, sitting is almost always going to be a worse alternative for your posture than standing is going to be, both in terms of your back and your neck. However, standing for extended periods of time has its own set of challenges, the majority of which are related to discomfort in the knees. When all of the specific disadvantages of the standing desk are taken into account, the study that has been conducted on this topic reveals that, in general, standing workstations do not give more orthopaedic benefits than sitting desks.

There are workarounds available for many of the problems that are associated with standing workstations. For instance, a number of studies have demonstrated that fatigue mats can cut down on knee strain and standing fatigue by even more as 60%. In spite of the fact that this hypothesis is not supported by any research, it is possible that this distinction is significant enough to give a standing desk layout the edge over its 4-legged analogue.

Influence It Has On Obesity

It has also been suggested that using a standing desk can help those who are overweight or obese. Regarding this particular issue, there is agreement among scientists. The use of a standing desk, however, does not result in a considerable increase in the number of calories burned when compared to sitting at a desk, and it is certainly not even close to being the miracle cure for obesity that it is frequently promoted as being. At best, you can anticipate losing a few pounds over the course of a year, but week to week, you probably won't notice much of a difference.

Therefore, if we were to summarise, we would state that there is not enough data on the real physiological implications of standing desks to establish definitively whether or not they are beneficial. Despite this, the scant research that has been done on the topic overwhelmingly points to the fact that they are not a particularly helpful option.

Benefits of Standing at Work

Burns Calories

Even if you do nothing but stand still, you will burn more calories standing than you would sitting. Now, the difference in calorie consumption between standing and sitting is not a large one. While sitting burns between 60 and 130 calories per hour, standing burns anywhere from 100 to 200 calories per hour. But taken together, it might be significant.

Consuming a greater number of calories than your body burns off is the root cause of obesity. On the other hand, losing weight happens when you burn more calories than you consume each day. Although physical activity is the most efficient technique to burn calories in a short amount of time, standing up instead of sitting is another option that can be useful.

In point of fact, research has shown that performing the same amount of work while standing burns more than 170 calories in addition to those burned while sitting for the same period of time. The simple act of standing at your desk during the afternoons can result in an additional loss of about one thousand calories each week. This disparity in calorie intake may be one of the reasons why sitting for longer periods of time is connected to an increased risk of metabolic illness and obesity.

Altering your frame of mind is another way that standing at work can help you burn more calories throughout the day. It's easier to maintain your mind in "health mode" when you're standing up, so try it out sometime. You might expect to get up and move around a little bit more frequently throughout the day. You may perform some leg lifts, or you could take a short break by performing some squats or jumping jacks. Throughout the day, even even small adjustments to your activity level will help you burn more calories.

Gives You an Energy Burst

An study of 53 studies that was published in the journal Applied Ergonomics found that workers were more likely to spend more time on their feet when they had access to a standing desk. The findings of a study conducted in the United Kingdom indicated that workers reported feeling more productive and 87 percent reported feeling more invigorated when they stood for just one hour of their shift. The findings were so helpful that they decided to start a programme called Smart Work and Life to encourage people who work in offices to get up and move about more.

Your ability to remain awake and attentive throughout the day is directly correlated to the amount of movement and activity you engage in. When you have to "think on your feet," you experience a higher level of engagement. If you're feeling lethargic throughout the course of your workday, incorporating some standing breaks into your schedule will help you regain some of that lost energy and excitement. You can continue looking at this.

Reduces Back Pain

You might believe that sitting for long periods of time is the source of back discomfort, but much like poor posture, this is not something that you have to learn to live with or accept as a normal part of your job. It is possible that you will be able to alleviate the little back discomfort you are experiencing if you invest in a supportive and comfy chair that offers alternating times of sitting and standing. Back pain is something that 80 percent of adults will feel at some point in their lives. It is also one of the most common complaints of those who work in offices and spend their days sitting for long periods of time.

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of using a standing desk on office workers who suffer from chronic back pain. For instance, the "Take-a-Stand Project" 1 in 2011 discovered that participants who spent an average of 66 minutes of their workday standing saw a reduction of upper back and neck pain that was 54% greater than those who did not stand during their workday.

The participants in the "Take-a-Stand Project" saw significant progress in only slightly more than an hour per day. Just think about the benefits that standing could bring you! increased levels of productivity. Not only may working at a standing desk make you feel better, but it also has the potential to improve your productivity.

• According to the findings of a recent study conducted by the Texas A&M Health Science Center, workers who utilised standing desks were up to 46 percent more productive overall.
• Participants in the A&M study also reported a reduction of 75% in the amount of physiological pain they experienced.
• According to the findings of a study conducted in Australia, using an activity-promoting desk can boost your capacity to pay attention, get things done, and even deal with stress.
• According to the findings of various pieces of research, non-sedentary work settings are beneficial to the creativity, productivity, and collaboration of employees.

These findings did not come as much of a surprise to us because, in previous surveys that we have conducted with Vari customers, they have consistently reported that using their standing desk helps them feel more energised, focused, and productive. If you purchase a standing desk solution from us, we would be thrilled if you would share your experience with us. Do you have a better sense of health, happiness, and productivity? Leave a review on our website to share your thoughts with us about the matter.

Using a Standing Desk Will Bring Your Blood Sugar Levels Down

In general, the greater the increase in your blood sugar levels following meals that you have, the more detrimental it is to your health. This is especially true if you have diabetes. This is especially important to keep in mind for individuals who have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. When compared to sitting for the same amount of time, standing for 180 minutes after lunch lowered the blood sugar spike when compared to the same amount of time spent sitting for the same period of time. The study involved 10 office workers.

There was no difference in the total number of steps taken by each group, which suggests that the smaller spike was caused by standing rather than additional physical motions around the office. Another study that involved 23 office workers found that switching positions Alternating between standing and sitting at regular intervals of 30 minutes throughout the workday was found to reduce blood sugar spikes by an average of 11.1 percent.

It is normal for blood sugar levels to rise after eating, however people who have significant spikes in their blood sugar levels have a considerably greater likelihood of developing diabetes in the future. In addition, an increase in blood sugar has been associated with an overall feeling of being unwell. The blood sugar levels of 10 office workers were measured before and after lunch in a study that was conducted in 2013 and found that standing for 185 minutes after lunch lowered blood sugar levels by 43% compared to sitting for the same amount of time. In addition, the participants wore pedometers, which were then evaluated. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the participants' physical motions between the two groups. This suggests that standing, as opposed to sitting, was responsible for the drop in blood sugar levels that was seen.

Another study indicated that switching positions every 30 minutes between standing and sitting helped minimise blood sugar rises by an average of 11.1 percent. The participants in this study were overweight office employees. During the course of the investigation, both eating habits and levels of physical activity were tracked.  According to the studies cited above, using a standing desk can help prevent increases in blood sugar levels as well as the chance of developing diabetes. There is no need to make any further efforts!

It is possible that the negative consequences of sitting for long periods of time, especially after meals, contribute to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes that is associated with excessive sitting for long periods of time.

You may have a lower risk of developing heart disease if you stand.

In 1953, researchers came up with the theory that standing is better for one's cardiovascular system. According to the findings of one study, bus conductors who worked standing up all day had one-half the risk of dying from heart disease as their counterparts who worked in the driver's seats.

Since then, researchers have obtained a much broader understanding of the impact of sitting on heart health. It is now believed that extended periods of sedentary time can increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 147 percent. It is so detrimental that it is possible that even an hour of hard exercise will not be able to make up for the bad consequences of sitting for a whole day. There is no question that being on your feet for longer periods of time is better for the health of your heart.

Improve Mood and Gain Energy

There is a correlation between sitting for long periods of time and an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is logical to assume that standing would boost one's mood and lead to an increase in happiness.

A total of twenty-four office workers participated in the "Take-a-Stand Project" in 2011, during which each of them received a standing desk. Over the course of the study's four weeks, participants reported feeling happier on their own as a result of the average 66-minute reduction in the amount of time they spent sitting.

At the conclusion of the intervention session that lasted for a duration of four weeks, a set of questions concerning the particular advantages of alternating between sitting and standing positions were posed to the participants.

When the participants' sit-stand desks were taken away, they indicated that their mood had worsened. This finding is quite interesting. This shows that utilising a standing desk as part of a comprehensive lifestyle shift is required in order to gain the full benefits of using a standing desk.

Boost Your Productivity

The capacity to perform routine chores while standing, such as typing or taking phone calls, is a worry that frequently arises among individuals who are considering purchasing a standing desk. In addition, working in an upright position may require some adjustment time at first. Those that work at standing desks, on the other hand, have not experienced any negative effects on their day-to-day operations.

Productivity and mental alertness are likely to improve as a result of the enhancement of mood and energy, as well as the reduction in discomfort felt in the back, shoulders, and neck. When the individual parts of the body are in better shape, the body as a whole is able to work more effectively, and it is reasonable to anticipate that this will, in turn, lead to increased productivity.

Conclusion

Five hours and forty-one minutes a day is how long the average office worker spends behind their desk. Many health issues, including as obesity and diabetes, have been linked to prolonged periods of sitting, according to studies. Even though they've been available for a while, standing desks are just now gaining in popularity. Long periods of sitting have serious detrimental effects on our health and happiness. Consequences of this include muscle atrophy, decreased bone density, and neck and back pain.

Adding a standing desk to your office area will provide you with the potential to improve your health in many ways. A standing desk is a special kind of desk that lets you work while standing instead of sitting. The height of the desk or tabletop can be modified in many modern designs, giving the user the option of working in either a seated or standing position. These days, you can get standing workstations in a variety of forms, including sit-stand desks and risers that let you change the height of your desk to suit your needs. However, the health benefits of standing desks have not been adequately demonstrated.

Standing desks have been shown to reduce upper back and neck pain and increase levels of satisfaction. In addition to a hybrid desk that lets you work in either a seated or standing position, a high-quality office chair is a must for those who prefer to work in either position. Both your back and your neck will suffer more from sitting than they would if you were standing. One of the most common complaints from people who stand for long periods of time is knee pain. When compared to sitting at a desk, the number of calories burned while using a standing desk is not appreciably higher.

If you stand up from your desk in the afternoons, you can burn an extra thousand calories over the course of a week. It has been proven through studies that the same amount of labour performed while standing burns more than 170 additional calories. So next time you're having trouble keeping your thoughts in "fitness mode," consider standing up instead. People who spend long hours sitting at their desks at work often have pain in their backs. Using a desk that encourages movement as you work might improve focus and resilience to pressure.

Your blood sugar levels will improve if you use a standing desk. Blood sugar levels were shown to be reduced by 11.1% on average when workers stood and sat for 30 minutes at intervals throughout the workday. Having your blood sugar rise has been linked to feeling ill. Standing may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. An increase in blood sugar or the development of diabetes is avoided by working at a standing desk.

Constant sitting may raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes due to its poor health effects. Depressive and anxious illnesses, as well as other mental health issues, are associated with prolonged sitting. It stands to reason that the simple act of standing would improve one's disposition and make them happier. When one's mood and energy levels are raised, one is more likely to be productive and mentally aware.

Content Summary

1. Obesity, diabetes, and cancer are just some of the diseases linked to prolonged periods of sitting, which have been documented as a major health risk.
2. It has been said that "sitting is the new smoking" since the average office worker spends 5 hours and 41 minutes a day sitting at their desk. This is an exaggeration, but the term is catchy all the same.
3. While standing desks have been around for a while, their popularity is just recently on the rise as more people learn about the health benefits of standing while they work.
4. There are many health benefits to standing while working, even if you can only manage 30 minutes at a time, and doing so for four hours or more every day is not impossible if you have the right equipment.
5. These days, height-adjustable desks, or "Sit-Stand" workstations, are all the rage since they make it so simple to switch between sitting and standing during the day.
6. Sit-stand desks are also known as standing desks.
7. Long periods of sitting have serious detrimental effects on our health and happiness.
8. Sitting for long periods of time can cause a variety of health problems, such as back and neck pain, ruptured discs, muscle atrophy, and weaker bones.
9. Incorporating a standing desk into your workflow is an excellent way to not only ease these symptoms, but also give your body the chance to enjoy the many health advantages that come along with doing so.
10. The ability to alternate between standing and sitting can help your body avoid unnecessary strain.
11. You'll be more engaged in your task, which will boost your energy and efficiency.
12. The London Spine Clinic recommends a sit-stand desk so that you may work in a healthy posture whether you're seated or standing.
13. You can adjust your posture and lessen the health risks associated with sitting for long periods of time.
14. A meta-analysis of the relevant studies shows that sitting for lengthy periods of time on a regular basis is connected with significantly increased death rates, lending credence to the argument for standing workstations.
15. This research lends credence to the claim that standing workstations are helpful.
16. Providing a remedy to this subject is difficult since we don't fully understand why sitting for lengthy periods of time is so bad.
17. If bad posture and weight gain are the main issues with sitting, then perhaps standing workstations are the answer.
18. How Does a Standing Workstation Differ from a Traditional One?
19. A standing desk, or stand-up desk, is a type of desk that is specifically made so that you can work while standing up.
20. The purpose of a standing desk is to allow the user to continue working while standing by elevating the entire work area to a higher height.
21. These days, you can choose from a variety of standing desk options, such as sit-stand workstations with height adjustments or risers (the distinctions between the two will be discussed further on in this article).
22. Therefore, it shouldn't be too hard for you to find an alternate that meets your needs and tastes.
23. Although study on the topic is just getting started, it appears that working at a standing desk may have considerable favourable impacts on one's health.
24. The usage of such a workstation can, at the very least, assist lessen the severity of some of the risks associated with sitting for extended periods of time.
25. A standing desk is readily available for purchase by anyone who is interested in getting one.
26. Working at a standing desk, or even one that allows you to switch positions, makes it much easier to add a little extra movement into your day.
27. Moreover, if you decide to go with a hybrid desk that allows you to transition between sitting and standing, you should also consider investing in a high-quality office chair to support your back, neck, and spine while seated.
28. Due in part to a lack of research into the topic and also because the results aren't particularly convincing, there isn't a great deal of evidence to support the notion that prolonged sitting is hazardous.
29. Simply put, we don't have enough data to say that using a standing desk is better for your health at work.
30. Study after study has shown that standing desks are better for your health and well-being than sitting workstations, especially for those suffering from upper back and neck problems.
31. When considering the state of your back and neck, a seated position is nearly always the worst option from an orthopaedic standpoint.
32. Research done on this topic shows that standing workstations do not provide more orthopaedic benefits than sitting desks when all of the unique disadvantages of the standing desk are considered.
33. However, there is little evidence that standing at work burns more calories than sitting, and it is far from being the "wonder cure" for obesity that is sometimes claimed.
34. Accordingly, we would conclude that there is not enough information on the true physiological implications of standing desks to demonstrate definitively whether or not they are advantageous.
35. Still, the little that has been studied on the subject suggests that they are not a particularly useful choice.
36. Though physical activity is the best way to burn calories quickly, getting up instead of sitting can be beneficial as well.
37. Standing at work can increase calorie burn in two ways: by increasing physical activity and by changing your mental attitude.
38. So next time you're having trouble keeping your thoughts in "fitness mode," consider standing up instead. As the day progresses, you may find yourself getting up and moving around more often.
39. You can increase the number of calories you burn by doing little things throughout the day. The more you move and do during the day, the easier it will be for you to maintain wakefulness and focus.
40. You can get your mojo back from a sluggish workweek by scheduling regular standing breaks.
41. You could think that sitting for lengthy amounts of time is what's causing your back pain, but similar to how you don't have to accept poor posture as a typical part of your profession, neither does your back hurt because of sitting.
42. If you invest in a supportive and comfortable chair that allows you to alternate sitting and standing, you may be able to reduce the minor back ache you're feeling.
43. Researchers have looked into the benefits of standing desks for office workers with persistent back pain numerous times.
44. A standing desk has the dual benefit of making you feel better and increasing your efficiency at work.
45. Different studies have found that workers are more inspired, productive, and cooperative when their workspaces encourage movement.
46. In previous surveys we have undertaken with Vari customers, they have repeatedly stated that using their standing desk helps them feel more energised, focused, and productive, so these findings did not come as much of a surprise to us.
47. When it comes to your health, a higher rise in blood sugar levels after eating is generally worse.
48. After eating lunch, if you stand for 180 minutes instead of sitting, your blood sugar won't jump as high as it would if you sat for the same amount of time.
49. After eating, it is normal for blood sugar levels to rise, but those who experience sharp increases have a far higher risk of getting diabetes down the road.
50. In a 2013 study, researchers tested the blood sugar levels of 10 office workers before and after lunch and discovered that standing for 185 minutes after lunch reduced blood sugar levels by 43% compared to sitting for the same amount of time.
51. The research referenced above suggest that using a standing desk can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and reduce the risk of already-existing high blood sugar levels.
52. Current research suggests that sitting for long periods of time raises the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 147%.
53. Depressive and anxious illnesses, as well as other mental health issues, are associated with prolonged sitting.
54. As a result, it stands to reason that a change from sitting to standing would improve one's disposition and make them happier.
55. Twenty-four office workers took part in the "Take-a-Stand Project" in 2011, at which time they were each given a standing desk.
56. Independently, people who reduced their sitting time by an average of 66 minutes per day for the study's four weeks reported feeling happy.
57. Participants were asked a series of questions about the benefits of standing and sitting on a regular basis after the four-week intervention session concluded.
58. When asked how they were feeling, participants whose sit-stand desks were taken away reported feeling "down."
59. This demonstrates that having a standing desk effectively necessitates a radical change in one's way of life if one is to reap the full benefits of such an arrangement.
60. Many people who are thinking about buying a standing desk are concerned about their ability to type and answer the phone while standing.
61. Reduced stress and fatigue, together with less pain in the back, shoulders, and neck, can have a positive effect on work output and cognitive acuity.