The adjustable standing desk is still a rather new phenomenon, a simple yet clever concept. However, much is always said about the health detriments to workers who stand on their feet all day. On the flip side, there are obvious health consequences to sitting down for too long of a period of time on a consistent basis. So what is the real verdict on these stand-up desks? Are they really healthier?
While the research on these stand-up adjustable desks is still in its infancy, there is a very simple and direct answer to the question about whether or not these desks are healthier. These stand-up desks allow you to sit back down and work comfortably whenever you like, ensuring that you are never standing or sitting for lengthy periods. This freedom is the answer to the question, but you still need to know more about the why. Why are these desks healthier, and what are the benefits of using one?
Benefits Of Stand-Up Desks
It is time to say goodbye to sedentary work-life. You want to get your exercise daily, too, but you can burn extra calories each day simply by making the choice to stand up in the office and work. In fact, research shows that these stand-up desks can help you burn an additional 150 calories a day, which translates into burning over an additional 1000 calories weekly. That is a lot of calories!
You might also have heard about office workers taking the opportunity to exercise while standing up. This translates into an additional calorie burn. Furthermore, standing up at work is going to help increase your circulation and prevent weight gain. Sure, you might not want to or be able to stand up all day long while working in the office, but you don’t want to sit down all day either.
The Perfect Compromise
Adjustable stand-up desks are the real deal, a perfect compromise. Sitting down for lengthy periods of time has always been known to be a bad idea. It can increase your risk of developing both diabetes and heart disease. As mentioned, there is nothing positive about a sedentary work day Shaking things up by giving yourself the option to stand up and work from time to time eliminates the health consequences and replaces them with health benefits.
That makes stand-up adjustable desks the perfect compromise. Let’s look at one example. You know that sitting down for long periods of time can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Studies have been conducted and have produced results that show stand-up desks can help lower blood sugar. This example illustrates a complete turnaround, from health detriment to health benefit.
Recommendations For Use
People often have questions about using these desks in terms of how long to stand up and how long to sit down. Experts suggest that standing up for a period of time after lunch is first and foremost a good idea. Additionally, experts also suggest that an alternating schedule could be the perfect solution. One way to work out an alternating schedule would be the sit for 30 minutes and then stand for 30 minutes rotation.
There are different ways you can work out an alternating schedule for using these versatile desks. One thing for sure though is exercise can’t reverse the negative impact of a sedentary work day. You can’t expect to get off work and hit the gym to eliminate the detriments of sitting down all day. You have to address the issue firsthand as you take control of how you handle your work routine.
Stand-Up Desks & Back Pain
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you already know that doctor recommended exercises are crucial to treatment of your symptoms. It sounds odd, yes, but exercise is one of the treatments for back pain. Therefore, it is likely no surprise to you to hear that research suggests stand-up adjustable desks can help reduce symptoms of chronic back pain. In steps the studies.
One study that was conducted over a four week period using a portable desk for standing and involving sufferers of chronic back pain showed a 54 percent reduction of symptoms. Subsequently, the positive benefits were completely reversed after subjects used traditional desks for just two weeks.
More About The Benefits
Stand-up desks are said to help decrease symptoms of fatigue. In fact, these desks are quite invigorating, helping to increase energy levels. Standing up also helps boost mood and morale, which can subsequently mean better productivity. Additionally, research suggests that these desks help reduce stress, and that is always a positive health benefit.
Research is in its infancy as mentioned, but there are many referenced studies proving the health benefits of stand-up desks. It is also important for office employees to realize that no one is telling people to stand up and work all day long. There are obvious times when a person’s duties may prevent him or her from standing while working. Still, there are many opportunities available for people working in offices to stand up and let loose.
The Takeaway
Earlier, a suggested 30/30 alternating schedule was mentioned, meaning 30 minutes working while sitting and 30 minutes working while standing. The idea is to rinse and repeat. It was also suggested that after break is a good time for standing up. While these are good suggestions, there are other ways to work out a schedule for using a stand-up desk.
The 30/30 alternating schedule is based on the idea that experts say you should stand up half the time and sit down half the time. This 50/50 concept is the perfect compromise and should be your takeaway. The stand-up adjustable desks don’t call for office workers to abandon sitting and choose to stand on their feet all day long. The compromise is there, the evidence is obvious, and the verdict is in: Yes, stand-up adjustable desks come with a wide variety of many health benefits, and they are a much better choice than traditional desks. That is the rest of the story.