Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular as we’re told to sit less and be more active at work and at home. But what exactly are the benefits of a standing desk?
Can they really improve our health – physically, mentally and even emotionally?
It seems like a big ask for such a simple concept. So let’s take a look at some of the key benefits we’re hearing about and get those myths busted!
Read on to find out what the experts are saying and we’ll give you our verdict as well.
#1 – Standing Desks Help You Lose Weight
“…new study suggests that a standing desk is unlikely to help with weight loss or avoiding weight gain, (but) there may be other benefits of a standing desk.” (Rf Robert H. Schmerling MD, Harvard Health Publishing.)
Excessive sedentary behaviour – or sitting for too long – has been closely linked to obesity. So can getting off your butt help you to lose weight?
Standing burns more calories than sitting, but this alone won’t make a massive difference to your weight.
Sure, over the hours, days and weeks you’ll be burning extra calories by standing more.
But if losing weight is your goal, the safest and most effective ways of doing so are to make some healthy changes to your diet and take regular exercise.
Verdict – you’ll burn more calories which will add up for sure. But this alone won’t blast those extra pounds.
#2 – Standing Desks Reduce Aches and Pains
“A common reason your back may hurt is from bad posture while seated. Sitting in a slouched or hunched over position can put strain on the discs — the fluid-filled cushions that protect the vertebrae from rubbing together.” (Rf Royce G. Morse, Healthline.)
Sitting for extended periods can put extra stress on your body, especially when you begin slouching.
This weakens your core muscles and takes its toll on your posture.
This can lead to all manner of aches and pains, particularly in the back, shoulder and neck areas.
But be sure to alternate between sitting and standing. Being on your feet for too long can cause aches and pains of its own.
Verdict – standing can help to keep your muscles engaged and your posture upright. This will help to alleviate aches and pains. Be sure to mix it up though.
#3 – Standing Desks Increase Energy Levels
“Standing desks appear to have a positive influence on overall well-being…One study found that standing desks can lower feelings of stress and fatigue, while improving mood and energy levels.” (Rf Joe Leech, MS, Healthline.)
After around 30 minutes of static sitting, your body becomes increasingly inactive and your core functions become sluggish.
Standing, however, keeps your body on the move. It’s better for the circulation which means more blood and oxygen to the cells.
Essential for all bodily systems, this keeps your brain and body working a little harder which in turn boosts your energy.
It can help to fight fatigue and can counter that mid-afternoon slump. This extra energy can also affect your mood and reduce depression and anxiety.
Verdict – as well as improving your energy levels, using a standing desk can help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
#4 – Standing Desks Improve Productivity
“Measure your productivity during work for one week sitting and one week standing, and see if there is a noticeable difference.” (Rf Andy Rogers, Rescue Time.)
With your energy levels boosted and your mood and stress levels improved, surely you’re going to work better and smarter?
Not necessarily!
The crux of the matter is that while standing at work works well for some, there are others who find it difficult to do the task at hand.
Of course, this depends on your job. Plus, standing as you work may take a little getting used to at first, so be prepared for a bedding-in period.
Verdict – the jury is out on this one. Yes, standing more can improve productivity for some, but for others it can hinder their output at work. Try it for a week and see how you get on.
#5 – Standing Desks Lower the Risk of Serious Illness
“People who spend long periods of time sitting have been found to have higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death from all causes.” (Rf British Heart Foundation.)
This one’s a biggie and there’s a long list of illnesses which can be caused or made worse by excessive sedentary behaviour.
So increasing your activity levels – even by standing more – is a move in the right direction.
Just one example, standing straight after a meal returns your blood sugar levels to normal quicker than sitting, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
So if you use a standing desk, raise it up after your lunch and work standing for 30 – 60 minutes.
But as mentioned before, be sure to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Standing for too long comes with health risks of its own. These include cadiovascular disease, visceral fat build up and general physical discomfort.
Verdict – alternating between sitting and standing can help to counter the many health risks caused by excessive sedentary behaviour. But be sure not to stand for too long either.
Benefits of a Standing Desk – Final Thoughts
As we become more aware of the many health risks associated with excessive sedentary behaviour, sitting less seems to be a no-brainer. But let’s have a recap on the key benefits of a standing desk and figure out if they’re fact or fiction…
Can a standing desk…
- help you lose weight?
- reduce aches and pains?
- increase energy levels?
- improve productivity?
- lower the risk of serious illness?
Using a standing desk is a simple but effective way to lessen your sedentary time.
On a physical level, sitting less can reduce aches and pains, it can increase your energy levels and help you to lessen a long list of health risks. You might also see improvements in your productivity.
However, as far as losing some extra pounds goes, yes you’ll burn more calories standing, but this alone won’t make a massive dent in your weight-loss target.
Remember also that standing too much can cause a whole range of problems as well. So really, the key takeaway here is yes, standing desks can bring a range of benefits, but only if used correctly.
Split your time between sitting and standing, work towards a 30 to 60 minute swap-around throughout the day, and give yourself time to get used to your new way of working.
What Next? Check out our review post the Best Electric Desks Under £300.
For further reading on the benefits of a standing desk, take a look at the Web MD article Standing Desks : How They Help You Beat Inactivity.
| Do you use a standing desk or desk converter? How did you find the transition from sitting all day to mixing it up? Has it helped to ramp up your productivity? Leave a comment in the box below or email jane@standingdeskuk.com. |
