Is Standing During the Workday as Beneficial as You’ve Heard?

Standing desks have become quite popular, especially as people grow more health-conscious post-pandemic. These desks are a little on the pricey side, so you might be wondering if they are really worth the investment. Can the benefits make implementation worthwhile for standing desks? The answer might surprise you.

Why is Sitting Seen as Such a Bad Thing?

Remaining sedentary throughout the workday can lead to all kinds of health ailments and conditions, a fact which is backed up by numerous reports. These ailments are generally cardiovascular in nature, such as reduced blood flow to the legs and brain, decreased production of blood sugar and cholesterol controls, reduced blood vessel health, and greater risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

It’s safe to say that none of these circumstances are desirable, but you could say the same about standing all day. Standing too long can lead to vascular issues and chronic back pains, which while admittedly better than a heart attack, can be bothersome in its own right.

Standing desks offer various benefits, such as decreased lower back pain, something which could also be attributed to the fact that standing desks encourage people to move more in moderation.

Like Most Things, Sitting and Standing are Best in Moderation

The types of standing desks most often used are those that can shift from sitting to standing on a whim, and they provide a dynamic experience that encourages users to stand or sit based on their current needs. The best way to use these desks is to ease into standing until you get accustomed to them, while using an anti-fatigue mat to reduce the strain on your feet.

Don’t Forget to Move When You Can, Too

Without being more active, a sit/stand desk can only be so helpful. You should take opportunities to move around whenever you can, like during your breaks or on lunch. It’s also possible to do some seated exercises.

In summary, we recommend that you take opportunities to move around whenever possible while also taking advantage of a sit/stand desk. It’s important that you listen to your body and not overdo it, though. The last thing you want is to jeopardize your health by doing too much or too little of one or the other, something which defeats the purpose of the sit/stand desk.

As for helping you be more productive while being on the move, we recommend working with OnSite I.T. for all of your technology needs. To learn more, reach out to us at (403) 210-2927.