Losing weight with a desk job is no easy feat. Sitting for long periods has proven to be catastrophic for your health. According to a CDC survey, 1 in 4 Americans spend at least eight hours a day sitting, and the average office worker sits for up to 15 hours a day, including time in the office, their commute, mealtimes, and lounging on the couch.
Standing desks have become a popular solution for individuals who want to enhance their health without sacrificing time spent working. While standing desks have only gained widespread popularity in recent years, they have actually been around for centuries. In fact, they were recorded as being used as far back as the 18th century.
Today, standing desks have revolutionized to bring consumers all the ergonomic and stylish features they want and expect in a piece of office furniture. However, one of the most common questions regarding the popular stand-up desk is whether they actually make a person more productive.
Do Standing Desks Make You More Productive?
A recent study published by Texas A&M delved into this very question. The study monitored 167 employees in a call center in Texas over six months. According to the findings, employees who used standing desks were more productive than their colleagues who used standard sit-down desks. In addition, the productivity of employees using standing desks continued to increase over time.
The advantages of switching from a typical sit-down desk to a standing table or adjustable desk are plentiful.
- Boost Mental Capacity: Standing helps stimulate circulation in the body, which sends more nutrients and oxygen to the brain. In comparison, sitting for long periods can negatively impact blood flow.
- Improve Focus: If you have a hard time focusing on work, sitting too long may be to blame. Standing up can help improve focus, allowing you to get more done while feeling more energetic.
- Reduce Physical Discomfort: Sitting can be tough on the body, especially if you do it for extended timeframes nearly every day. Physical stress on the body can cause various symptoms, such as back pain, chronic headaches, and joint pain.
- Increase Energy Levels: Nearly everyone with a desk job has experienced reduced energy levels after several hours of sitting at a desk. Standing helps keep energy levels stable and wards off those mid-afternoon slumps.
Transitioning to a Standing Desk from a Sit-Down Desk
While there’s no denying that an adjustable standing desk can do wonders for your health and productivity, these benefits can also be achieved with a proper setup.
First, you’ll want to find a comfortable height for your laptop screen or computer monitor. With an adjustable standing desk, you can easily move the table surface up or down to accommodate your unique height. The screen should be aligned with your eyes to prevent you from having to tilt your head up or down.
Next, you’ll want to have a timer on your desk to alert you when it’s time to sit down. While standing can be beneficial to your health, your body needs regular breaks. For example, set a time to go off every hour or two, and then sit down for five to ten minutes before you stand and continue working.
The Best Standing Desks for at Home or the Office
Looking for the best standing desk for your home office or commercial space? There are many things you’ll want to consider, such as the desk’s surface size, ease of adjustability, sturdiness, and desk height when fully lowered or raised. Check out our top picks for the best standing desks:
1. FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
This stylish stand-up desk is the perfect addition to any modern office. The top is constructed of engineered wood with a laminate finish. It is also equipped with an electric lift system that combined with its industrial-grade steel frame, is capable of supporting up to 176 lbs.
2. FLEXISPOT Electric Standing Desk
The FLEXISPOT Electric Standing Desk instantly catches the eye with its sleek white top and slim design. The adjustable-height computer stand is available in several sizes and can accommodate up to 187 lbs. A motor lift mechanism allows users to achieve smooth height adjustments, from 28 inches to 47.6 inches.
3. VIVO Electric Height Adjustable Stand-Up Desk
If you’re looking for a simple one-piece tabletop and workstation, this is it. This adjustable stand-up desk is available in a wide selection of colors and sizes to accommodate all workers. Its powerful electric motor enables the desk to rise from 29 inches to 48 inches using a push-button controller.
4. Marsail Standing Desk with Drawer
With plenty of room to hold multiple monitors and devices, the Marsail Standing Desk is an electric and adjustable stand-up desk with a convenient drawer in the front to hold essential items. The desk offers durable performance, is guaranteed by 50,000 lift tests, and can hold up to 176 lbs.
5. AIZ Mobile Computer Desk with Rolling Wheels
If space is limited or you need a standing desk with mobility, consider the AIZ Mobile Computer Desk with Rolling Wheels. This affordable mobile desk can be completely lowered for sitting or raised for an easy-standing desk. Its compact size makes it a great option for both children and adults.
6. Jceet Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk
With its white frame and oak combination, this stylish standing desk is perfect for individuals who want a standard desk height with the ability to raise it throughout the day. The motorized adjustable lift system and electric keypad allow for a noiseless transition between sitting and standing.
7. ErGear Adjustable Height Electric Standing Desk
The ErGear Adjustable Height Electric Standing Desk has all the features you’re looking for in a stand-up desk, including a spacious workstation, cable management, and a DIY bulletin board. The adjustable monitor and laptop stand is built to last and can hold a max load of 176 lbs.
8. ExaDesk Electric Standing Desk
Organization is of the utmost importance, especially when working at a desk for long hours. The ExaDesk helps workers stay organized and productive by providing plenty of space to store essential items. Create an effective workstation on multiple tiers and move the desk as needed using the easy rolling casters.
9. OUTFINE L-Shaped Triple Motor Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Many people enjoy the look and convenience of an L-shaped desk but most L-shaped desks are only available in standard desk height. This OUTFINE L-Shaped Standing Desk offers a popular L-shaped design, as well as a triple motor system that allows for easy height adjustment.
10. LOXP Ultra-Stable Swivel Laptop Stand for Desk
Want the ability to stand while working but don’t want to buy a whole new desk? A laptop stand for a desk will perform the same function. The LOPX Ultra-Stable Swivel Laptop Stand for Desk can be affixed to a desk to securely hold laptops of various sizes.
Have you used a standing desk in your office? I’d love to hear about your experience and whether you believe a stand-up laptop has actually helped your health and productivity!
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