Rashida BealA huge part of the reason why so many professionals are switching to standing desks is the proposed health benefits they offer.
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical about the real benefits a standing desk would offer. After trying out a handful of them, including the FlexiSpot E7, I can definitely attest to less back pain and the spark of productivity.
How exactly can a standing desk improve not only your work life but also your health?
I’ve done the research, and the testing to bring you the top benefits that you need to know if you’re considering buying a standing desk.
These health benefits include:
- Combat sedentary lifestyle
- Weight management
- Blood sugar and cholesterol control
- Heart health
- Reduce back pain
- Increase mental health & productivity
- Reduce the risk of cancer
- Longevity and overall health
Table of Contents
- 1. Combat Sedentary Lifestyle
- 2. Weight Management
- 3. Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Control
- 4. Cardiovascular Health
- 5. Reduce Back Pain
- 6. Boost Mental Health and Productivity
- 7. Reduce the Risk of Cancer
- 8. Longevity and Overall Health
- Tips for Incorporating Standing Desks into Your Routine
- Experience the Benefits of a Standing Desk
- Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Combat Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting too much is linked to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In our computer-based world, these risks are higher.
Standing desks are a great solution. They encourage standing and moving more at work, breaking up long periods of sitting. This helps reduce total sitting time and engage your body more, even during desk work.
2. Weight Management
While standing desks won’t help you shed pounds, they can help you maintain a healthy weight. Although it’s a small difference, standing burns more calories than sitting. On average, you burn roughly 60 calories an hour while sitting, compared to 80-100 while standing.
This small change can make a big difference in controlling your weight over time. For an even bigger calorie burn that actually can help you lose weight, incorporate walking with your standing desk. Walking burns over 200 calories an hour.
Check out our review of the WalkingPad A1 Pro >>
3. Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Control
Standing desks can also help manage blood sugar and cholesterol. Standing up after eating helps lower blood sugar spikes, which is good for preventing diabetes.
Some studies also show that standing desks can lower cholesterol levels. This makes them a useful tool for staying healthy.
4. Cardiovascular Health
Sitting too much can increase the risk of heart disease. Standing desks can help reduce this risk. By mixing sitting and standing, you improve blood flow and heart health.
If you have a desk job, using a standing desk is a good step for keeping your heart healthy.
5. Reduce Back Pain
Standing desks can help with lower back pain, a common problem for people who work at desks. When I sat all day, my entire back was tight and sore regularly.
No amount of stretching, heating pads, or chiropractic care could resolve the issue. I noticed the biggest difference when I added a standing desk to the mix. Standing forces you to activate some of those muscles, working on posture, which helps with back pain.
6. Boost Mental Health and Productivity
One of the simplest ways to boost productivity at work is to just stand up. Sitting all day easily lulls me into an afternoon slump. It gets harder and harder to focus, with my brain turning to mush.
Standing up gets your blood flowing a bit, which actually improves your mood and can reduce anxiety. Standing while working can also make you more energetic and focused, which makes you more productive.
7. Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Less sitting time might lower the risk of some cancers. Standing desks, by encouraging you to stand more, could help prevent cancer.
They are not a complete solution, but they are part of a healthy lifestyle.
8. Longevity and Overall Health
Using a standing desk more often can have long-term health benefits in several different facets of wellness. It can lower the risk of early death and improve your overall health.
Standing more is a simple but important way to stay healthy, especially if you have a desk job.
Tips for Incorporating Standing Desks into Your Routine
As beneficial as it is to stand during work, it’s not something you can just immediately do in full force. I made the mistake of trying to stand way too much too fast when I got my new desk.
Instead, you should gradually and systematically incorporate standing into your work routine. Here are some of the strategies I found the most helpful when transitioning to a standing desk:
- Get the right desk: The best standing desks are easy and fast to adjust. Check out my roundup of the best standing desks.
- Start small: Begin by standing for only 5 minutes for every hour of work. As you adapt, increase the time slowly.
- Comfortable base: Wear supportive, comfortable footwear and consider an anti-fatigue mat.
- Evaluate the type of work to do: Depending on your job, not all tasks may be suitable for standing. For example, meetings may be easier to do while standing than typing an article.
- Tools & accessories: You may need a few additional components to ensure a comfortable, effective setup. I have found an external keyboard/mouse and a standing stool to be helpful.
Experience the Benefits of a Standing Desk
Standing desks offer many health benefits that have improved my work life and my overall wellness. They help fight a lifestyle that's too sedentary, help manage weight, and improve heart health.
Of course, it all starts with getting the right standing desk. If you're thinking about getting a standing desk, FlexiSpot is a great choice. They have a variety of standing desks to suit different needs.
My personal favorite is the FlexiSpot E7, as it’s an affordable choice that’s durable and includes an electric adjustment feature. However, they have options for all price points and preferences.
FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk - Why We Recommend
- Extra stability & weight capacity (see what it can do in our video)
- More sizes, tabletops, and shapes available (like the curved front for an ergonomic fit)
- LED touch screen
- Child lock
- 15-Year warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I switch to a standing desk?
Yes, you should switch to a standing desk to reduce sitting time, improve posture, help heart health, and more.
Are standing desks really better for you?
Yes, incorporating a standing desk is better for your overall health. The goal is to incorporate standing into your workday, not to completely replace a sitting desk.
What are the benefits of a standing desk?
Standing desks offer many benefits including less back pain, greater productivity, blood sugar control, and more.
What are the psychological benefits of a standing desk?
Standing desks can help boost your mood and increase focus. Standing while working can help you feel more energetic and increase productivity.
How can a standing desk improve my work environment?
Adding a standing desk into your work environment can reduce pain and stiffness throughout the day while also helping to improve productivity.
Claire Fountain
