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Are Standing Desks Good for You?

Standing desks have become popular in recent years, but are standing desks good for you? The short answer is yes, though it’s important to use them properly.

This article will explore the benefits of standing desks, and how to make the most of them. We’ll also introduce you to some of the finest standing desks on the market today.

Benefits of Using Standing Desks

The risks of prolonged sitting are well known ¾ it increases your risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and premature death. As anyone with a desk job knows, it can also wreak havoc on your posture, musculoskeletal comfort, and even digestion.

Sitting less and standing more burns extra calories, builds strength, and promotes good posture. Regularly standing while you work, and the movement it takes to get there, will ultimately increase calorie usage and strengthen the muscles in your lower body.

Standing can also support spinal health by encouraging you to stand straight rather than sink into a chair. The elongation of your torso, and the released pressure on your abdomen, encourages healthy digestion. Better yet, standing can even improve your mood and productivity on the job.

Of course, standing isn’t enough to prevent serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. According to one study, sitting for an hour burns 80 calories; standing burns 88. Walking burns 210 calories in an hour, which is going to have a far greater impact on your overall health.

Further, the human body isn’t designed to stand all the time. Sitting is only a problem when we do it too much. Switching from full-time sitting to full-time standing is also likely to come with some back, leg, and foot pain as your body adjusts.

Use a Standing Desk Correctly

In order to get the most out of a standing desk, use it to incorporate more movement into your day. Sit for an hour (or whatever time interval works best for you), then stand up, stretch and walk around a little bit before standing at your desk for 30 minutes or an hour.

Ensure that your posture is appropriate at the standing desk – your head, neck, and spine should be upright and aligned, and your elbows should make a right angle when your hands are on the desk. The monitor should be at eye level.

To reduce pressure on your feet and the rest of your bones and soft tissues, stand on a cushioned mat that provides shock absorption (often called an anti-fatigue mat). This will also ease the transition to increased standing.

ZGO Solutions’ mission is to bring more Zen to every workspace with sustainability, balance, and simplicity. The proper use of standing desks is an ideal way to help employees incorporate these principles into their workday, making your office a healthier and more productive place.

RELATED: How to Use a Standing Desk the Right Way

The Difference of ZGO Solutions

ZGO Solutions designs products with a zen-based productivity mindset, an approach that’s unique to us and meant to promote health, wellness, and excellent work.

Inspired by the peaceful and harmonious elements of Chinese culture, as well as the design principles of simplicity, beauty, and functionality, we support excellent office dynamics through the power of ergonomics. All of our standing desks are available in extended height ranges from 21.6 to 47.7 inches, meeting ANSI/BIFMA G1 industry guidelines for ergonomic desks.

ZGO Solutions is based in the United States, Europe, and Asia. You can learn more about selecting one of our collections, including the Zen Collection, for your office space, by visiting the website or completing our simple contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!

 

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, September). 3 Surprising Risks of Poor Posture. Harvard Health Letter. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/3-surprising-risks-of-poor-posture

Shmerling, R. (2016, September 23). The Truth Behind Standing Desks. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-behind-standing-desks-2016092310264

WebMD. (n.d.) Standing Desks: How They Help You Beat Inactivity. JumpStart by WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/standing-desks-help-beat-inactivity#1

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.