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Benefits of Standing Desks

 benefits of standing desks - a complete guide

Benefits of Standing Desks -The Complete Guide

Ongoing research and reports continue to reveal the unhealthiness of too much sitting in our daily lives. It can be very hazardous given how many Americans live a sedentary lifestyle. We spend long hours sitting during our commute, at work, and even in our leisure time. All this sitting can lead to back pain, and many other health problems. Thanks to the numerous studies and reports on prolonged sitting more people are exploring the benefits of utilizing a standing desk to improve their health, energy, and productivity at work.


Here are the leading benefits of using a Standing Desk:

 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #1: REDUCING BACK PAIN

back pain

Back and neck pain is a common problem among those who sit too much throughout the day. Lower back pain has many causes such as poor posture, a bad chair with minimal support, a poor ergonomic work setup, and the actual sitting position itself. 


When you are seated your hips are in a closed position, if you are continually in this position, your hip flexors or psoas muscles can  tighten which can throw your hip joint out of alignment and can cause lower back pain. That was my problem a couple years ago and took months of physical therapy to fix.


Studies show that those with long-term back pain reported up to a 32% improvement in lower back pain after many weeks of using standing desks.


Additionally, the CDC found that using an adjustable height standing desk reduced neck pain and upper back pain by 54% after just 4 weeks. One of their findings was that the removal of the standing desk actually reversed some of those improvements gained within a 2 week period.


The bottom line is that you are better focused on work when your pain is reduced or eliminated.

 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #2: LOWERS RISK OF WEIGHT GAIN & OBESITY

According to a recent study overweight and obese people are more likely to call-in sick, and suffer from chronic health issues that impact office productivity. 


When you switch to a standing desk you can burn more calories throughout the day compared to just sitting. A study has shown that if you spend an equal amount of time standing and sitting at your job you will burn an extra +170 calories per day, or up to 1,000 calories a week.


This is not a huge calorie burn, and different studies have shown lesser results. But when you take into account the other benefits of standing desks such as improved posture, better circulation, less pain, and improved productivity adding calorie burn to the list of benefits is an added bonus.

 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #3: IMPROVES POSTURE

woman slouching at desk

A lot of people have developed the bad habit of slouching while sitting. When you are standing and walking you naturally have a straight back and open hips. This improved posture will help reduce pain in your back and neck and improves the integrity of the bones.


Using a standing desk helps keep weight on the bones as opposed to sitting. This results in stronger tissue and bones, which lowers your risk of injury, and gives you a better feeling body.


 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #4: LOWER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND DIABETES RISK

Alternating between standing and sitting throughout the workday has been shown to reduce the chances of your blood sugar spiking.


In a small study that had workers stand or sit for 180+ minutes after eating lunch, the group that was standing reduced their blood sugar spike 43% compared to the sitting group.The harmful effects of being sedentary after meals is linked to a greater risk of type 2 diabetes.


Another study found that standing an extra 2 hours per day versus sitting was associated with a 2 percent lower average fasting blood sugar level and 11 percent lower average triglycerides in the blood. The extra standing was also attributed to lower bad cholesterol and higher good HDL cholesterol.


 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #5: LOWER YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE

In a study from the American Heart Association studying men 45 years and older, those with the least amount of physical activity and most sedentary time were at the most risk for heart failure and and coronary heart disease.


Other studies have shown that prolonged sitting time is thought to increase the risk of heart diseases by up to 147%.


So clearly standing and movement throughout the day will be beneficial to your heart health.

 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #6: IMPROVE ENERGY, MOOD, & PRODUCTIVITY

mood & energy

Mid-morning and mid-afternoon fatigue plaques many office workers. Sitting all day brings forth a gradual fatigue and brain fog that decreases productivity in the workplace. 


Standing keeps your blood sugar level constant so you can avoid these slumps, and with improved blood circulation you will have more energy and focus. 


Standing and moving can help release endorphins responsible for happiness, cheer, and a good mood.


Using a standing desk has been shown to increase productivity in a recent study of call center employees. The study compared those that were sitting versus those that had a standing desk. The findings revealed that those with a standing desk were about 45 percent more productive on a daily basis over six months. The study also showed increased productivity over time from about 23 percent in the first month to 53 percent over the next 6 months.


In a 7 week standing desk study, users with standing desks reported a bigger reduction in fatigue and stress than those who were sitting. And 87% of those using a standing desk reported increased energy and clarity throughout the day.


Standing desks are a great investment in your energy, mood, productivity, and focus.

 

BENEFIT OF STANDING DESKS #7: INCREASES LIFE EXPECTANCY

Scientific studies have shown the link between prolonged sitting and early death. This is not surprising given the strong associations between sitting, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.


A 2015 analysis of 54 surveys showed that reducing sitting time can play a role in an active lifestyle and help stave off premature death.


With all the benefits previously listed it is clear that standing desks have a wealth of benefits such as improving wellness, reducing pain, boosting energy, burning calories, boosting productivity, and preventing disease. All these benefits lead to a longer life.

 

Michael Hixson, Founder
Ergo Standing Desks

 

Related Article: 
5 Easy Ways to Stay Healthy and Productive when Working from Home
The Best Ergonomic Desk Accessories for your Standing Desk