Standing desks are great tools for allowing you to get up and stretch your legs while you work, which is why many people are now incorporating them into their office spaces. But the prolonged strain on your legs and knees has got many people wondering if it’s bad to use a standing desk all day.
But what if these stand-up desks could be harmful? Is standing at a desk better than sitting? What are the advantages to a standing desk that you don’t get sitting down?
If you’ve asked these questions, you’re in the right place.
Like everything in life, standing desks have advantages and disadvantages. What may be good for one person could be bad for another.
In this article, we discuss whether it’s bad to use standing desks all day. We take a look at the benefits of these desks and the correct way to use them.
A standing desk can be bad for you if you use it for too long. Much like sitting for hours on end, being on your feet can reduce circulation.
Anyone who’s worked in retail knows the woes of being on your feet all day. Chances are, we’ve all had aching feet at some point.
Yes, standing desks are great. There are lots of good points in their favour. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few low points too.
Standing for too long has several harmful effects:
The good news is that all these harmful effects can be avoided.
Standing desks are only bad if they aren’t used correctly. You can avoid the negative effects by making a few changes.
Ensure that your standing desk posture is correct. When standing, your head, neck, and shoulders should align.
Another option is to invest in orthopedic shoes. Wearing the proper shoes will go a long way towards preventing joint pain.
An anti-fatigue mat is also a good choice, especially if you’re new to standing desks. These mats are cushioned and offer support. They also allow for natural shifting which improves circulation.
Switch from standing to sitting regularly. Switching between the two prevents muscle fatigue and keeps your mind on the task at hand for longer.
You can also use your standing desk to do light exercise to keep your muscles active while you work. Standing still for long periods will strain your legs.
There are simple exercises like squats or lunges that can easily be done at your desk. You can also do yoga or go for a short walk. This will improve blood flow and keep you healthy.
How long should you stand at a standing desk? Switch to a standing desk gradually. When you first get a standing desk, use it for 30 minutes every 2 hours of work. From there, you can work your way up to longer periods of standing.
When using a standing desk, you need to ensure that it’s at the right height.
You shouldn’t be slouching over your standing desk. Your spine should be in alignment with your head, with your neck and hips lining up straight.
Your elbows should be at 90-degrees on the desk and your wrists flat on the surface. This will prevent shoulder strain and neck pain.
The computer monitor should be at eye level. If it’s too low, consider using a monitor arm to raise it.
At the beginning of this article, we looked at the possible harmful effects of standup desks. But there are numerous benefits of a stand-up desk too.
These benefits include:
Using a sit-stand desk will help to improve your posture.
Setting your desk and monitor at the right height prevents slouching. This improves your neck and back.
Many people wonder if standing desks are good for lower back pain.
When your posture is improved, your body will be less strained. Less strain equals less neck and back pain. This, in turn, prevents headaches and migraines by making sure your head is properly supported.
Standing burns a bit more calories than sitting which is why a standing desk can help you lose weight.
On their own, the calories burned are not enough to make a significant difference. But when paired with other lifestyle changes, standing desks can become a useful weight loss aid.
You can even do some standing desk exercises. Squats, lunges, stretches, or even yoga, can all be done at your desk if you have the room to move about.
You should also take regular short walks to prevent your knees from locking in place and causing strain on your joints.
There is a clear correlation between standing desks and blood pressure. Those who alternate between sitting and standing have lower blood pressure.
This is because the change in position improves circulation.
When you’ve been sitting in front of the computer for hours, your mind and body tend to rebel against you.
Have you ever felt your body begin to slow down while you’re working? The screen starts to blur and your eyes want to close.
We aren’t built to sit still for hours on end. Chances are good that we will start to feel numb, and concentrating will be difficult.
Using a sit-stand desk is a great way to prevent this. Switch to standing every 2-hours, and your productivity will improve. You’ll feel more awake and be able to stay on task for longer.
High schools should consider standing desks for students with ADHD.
People with ADHD have a hard time concentrating. They have an impulse to move and fidget. This restlessness often leads to a lack of focus and concentration.
This can be frustrating to the student and teacher alike. Allowing them the freedom to regularly change their position could be the answer.
A height-adjustable desk will allow them to switch positions when they get restless. They won’t have to worry about controlling the impulse to move. That way they can focus on learning.
When deciding on a standing desk, you need to know your options. The one you choose depends on your needs.
Height-adjustable desks are also called ‘sit-to-stand’ or just ‘sit-stand’ desks. There are two types in this category: manual and electric.
Manual desks use a handle, lever, or crank to adjust the height. This can seem like a hassle when switching from sitting to standing.
The height adjustment is smooth and easy. These are great if there isn’t a power source nearby or you don’t want lots of cables.
Electric desks need a power source and cables to work.
These desks use buttons to adjust the height. Many of them have programmable memory buttons. You can use these buttons to save your preferred height.
Electric desks make switching from standing to sitting quick and easy.
The only downside is if there is no electricity available.
A fixed-height standing desk stays at the same height. It can’t be adjusted.
This means that you will need to choose a desk for your specific height. It can be problematic if you’re shopping online.
If you want to switch to sitting, you’ll need to buy a high stool too.
So yes, it’s bad to use a standing desk all day. We aren’t made to stay in one position for hours.
This is why using a height-adjustable desk is the best option. You can switch between sitting and standing easily.
Frequently changing positions improves circulation, and reduces muscle stress. You will find that you have more energy throughout the day too.
When your body isn’t lagging anymore, you’ll be able to stay focused. Your productivity and problem-solving skills will both increase.
Try exercising at your desk to avoid muscle fatigue or other problems. You can do light exercises that won’t interrupt your work.
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