Myths About Standing Desks
1. You should stand all day
Fans of The American Office may remember the scene where Dwight used a standing desk to literally elevate himself, and in his view, symbolically above his colleagues. "Imagine a guy doing something heroic. Now, is he sitting or standing?" he said in defense of his new workstation Higher up, he stubbornly refused to be seen sitting at all times—even during his lunch break. He was really tired, eventually—but not at all convincing—hiding a cane in one of his pant legs so he could rest while still looking upright: a decision that ultimately led to his (literally ) out of favor.
scene from the american office sitcom
The lesson here? Don't take standing desks too literally (and try not to be your office Dwight). The healthiest way to use it is to move regularly between sitting and standing positions.
Sitting for long periods of time can slow down metabolism, reduce the ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and metabolize fat, which can lead to weakening of muscles and bones, which can lead to underlying musculoskeletal disorders.
Standing for too long can cause blood to pool in the legs, increase venous pressure, and eventually even lead to cardiovascular problems.
Instead of staying in one place all day and eventually feeling tired, try sitting for 20 minutes, standing for 8 minutes, and moving for 2 minutes every half hour.
2. Standing desks are an expensive gimmick
Gimmick products look appealing but are largely useless. The health and wellness industry is full of gimmicks, but sit-stand desks are not one of them. First and foremost, every computer user needs a desk, and even if you don't like sit-stand work eventually, your standing desk will still be used as a sit-stand desk - at least you always have the option to stand, if fancy takes you .
Second, our sit-stand desks are built to last. Some products are used until the freshness wears off and then discarded. Our sit-stand desks are designed for years of everyday use. As for being expensive...while a standing desk isn't a whim for most people, ours starts at £198 (for VariDesk® Laptop 30™), which makes the small height adjustable platform affordable and very affordable Suitable as an introduction to a more active way of working.
3. They won't do anything for your health
Indeed, swapping some sitting time for standing time is unlikely to result in significant weight loss or muscle gain. If that's your goal, you'd better start an exercise program and evaluate your diet. Your desk is not exercise equipment. It's a healthy tool.
With the freedom to move between sitting and standing positions, you're less likely to get stuck in a sedentary position for long periods of time. Staying in one place for too long -- especially sitting -- can lead to aches, pains, fatigue, and reduced productivity. Sitting for long periods of time can affect your breathing and circulation, so the simple act of standing up, activating your leg and core muscles, and raising your heart rate slightly should help oxygenate and rejuvenate your body.
Sitting alone, standing alone at a desk
A UCL study found that using the Opløft sit-stand platform for a week significantly improved the performance of typically sedentary office workers. Lead researcher Professor Walsh said: "Our study showed that employees using Opløft improved their decision-making ability by a factor of two and their language-based questioning skills by 64%. They also completed the measures of attention and alert tasks and reduced errors by 45%. Their creativity also increased by 28%.”
The popularity of standing desks is on the rise
Despite myths and misconceptions, standing desks are in high demand. Especially since the pandemic. In the past 12 months, searches for standing desks in the UK have increased by more than 20% compared to last year.
Why are standing desks so popular right now?
The popularity of sit-stand desks is on the rise for a number of reasons, including:
Hybrid work is the new normal, and people working from home are taking control of their workplace health and well-being. With less room to roam, being able to work standing up is a great way to stay active and energized.
A growing body of research highlights the risks of sedentary behavior.
People note the physical and mental health benefits of standing desks.
The growing interest has created a domino effect: sit-stand desks are increasingly appearing in enviable photos of WFH setups in the office and on social media, making people more willing to try them out.
There are more lower-priced options on the market, from sit-to-stand converters to full-size electric desks.
What are the benefits of a standing desk?
smiling woman standing at desk
What are the benefits of a standing desk for you? After a few weeks of use, you may notice various benefits of a sit-stand desk, including:
Mildly increase your daily activity level: Standing up and sitting down may not seem like much, but this transition activates your leg and core muscles, slightly increases your heart rate and boosts calorie burning.
Relieve pent-up tension: You may not even realize your body is tense, but feelings of stress can cause your muscles to contract (fight reflex), which can lead to injury over time. Moving the poses regularly allows you to understand your body and gives you a chance to get rid of any tense areas.
Feeling more confident: When Dwight claims his status is higher, he's not 100% wrong. A theory published in the journal Psychological Science suggests that certain strength poses, including standing, can help reduce stress hormones and increase self-confidence and vitality. So if you're in a tough situation at work and you need to gather courage, try to stand up.
Improve your work performance: Research shows that switching to a sit-stand desk can help improve decision-making, problem-solving, accuracy, and creativity.
