Standing Desk Buying Guide (Includes Benefits & FAQs)
It’s no secret that sitting for long periods of time isn’t good for your overall health, which is why it shouldn’t be surprising that sit stand desks have exploded in popularity in recent years. Standing desks encourage workers to get out of the sitting position, which boasts a range of health benefits.
If you are already sold on the idea of standing desks, here are some of the main things you should consider before making the final decision!
Considerations When Buying A Standing Desk
Height Range
Unlike with a normal, static office desk that doesn’t move, you need to consider the height range. This will vary from situation to situation. If the desk is going to be shared by multiple people, you should opt for the desk with the biggest range.
Weight Capacity
It is important that you understand the weight limits of the desk you are thinking about buying. These desks are capable of handling your normal, everyday desktop items like monitors, laptops, phones etc. However, if you have heavier items on your desk that your new desk will need to hold, pay close attention to the weight limits.
Failing to pay attention to the weight capacity means you could run the risk of overworking and/or breaking the motor of the desk.
Manual or Electric
Most sit stand desks are electric and height can be adjusted by the push of a button. However, an alternative are desks which are adjusted using a hand crank. The method of adjusting the height will have a huge impact on ease of use, speed of adjusting and noise level.
Power
If you choose an electric sit stand desk, you need to consider how you will power it and make sure that you have access to electricity.
Depth
While depth isn’t limited to standing desks, it’s a very important decision and deserves a mention. Who will use the table and the work that they need to do should influence the depth of the table you choose.
Benefits Of Standing Desks
As previously mentioned, sitting all day isn’t good for your overall health.
People who sit for long periods of time are more prone to serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. People who sit for long periods every day are also linked with increased weight gain and obesity due to few calories burned throughout the day.
Fortunately, standing desks combat these things and more.
Lowers Risk Of Weight Gain
Your body will burn more calories from standing compared to sitting. Infact, when you stand you can burn anywhere from 100 to 200 calories per hour, depending on gender, age etc. Sitting, by comparison, only burns between 60 to 130 calories per hour.
This increase in the amount of calories burned can lower the risk of weight gain, provided you have a healthy diet.
Lowers Risk Of Heart Disease
It is widely accepted that the more time spent sitting, the greater the risk of developing heart disease. A study in 1958 found that bus conductors who stood all day had half the risk of heart disease-related deaths as their colleagues in the driver’s seats.
There is no doubt that splitting your day up into a mixture of sitting and standing is beneficial for your heart health.
Reduced Back Pain
For office workers who sit all day, back pain is probably the most common complaint they make. Standing for as little as an hour can drastically improve any back pain you feel, especially in the lower back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standing Desks
How Often Should You Stand With A Sit Stand Desk?
Experts recommend that you stand for between 5-15 minutes out of every hour. However, there really isn’t a one-size fits all answer to this question, and you should stand for however long you are comfortable with.
Do Standing Desks Really Make A Difference?
Yes. Standing desks have real and proven health benefits, especially to people who would otherwise be sitting all day. Reduced the risk of heart disease, may reduce blood sugar levels, reduces back pain and lowers the risk of obesity are a few of the benefits people who use standing desks enjoy.
Can You Use A Standing Desk All Day?
Yes. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Just like sitting is not optimal for your health, neither is standing all day. Alternate between standing and sitting throughout the day.
Do Standing Desks Help With Back Pain?
Yes. Standing desks are proven to reduce back pain, both in lower back and upper back/neck areas.