(Newswire.net — July 7, 2020) — If you’re an old school office worker, the idea of a standing desk may seem strange and gimmicky. But if you really take the time to study how they work and why they’re beneficial, you’ll quickly realize that they’re here to stay. Then the question becomes, how do you get a hold of one?
What is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk, also sometimes referred to as a stand-up desk, is essentially a desk that allows you to sit or stand comfortably while working. There are a variety of options and types, including:
- Sit-to-stand adapters. These are contraptions that you place on your existing desk. Your monitor, keyboard, and mouse rest on the surface of the adapter and allow you to move up and down while your desk remains fixed to the ground. This is an inexpensive option for those who don’t want to swap out their entire desk.
- Fixed standing desks. While not as common as the other options on this list, fixed standing desks do have a place. These desks are constantly at standing height and require an elevated stool if you want to sit down.
- Manual standing desks. This is a true standing desk. It goes from the seated position all the way up to the raised position. It operates with a crank that the user turns to bring the desk up and down.
- Powered standing desks. A powered desk is similar to a manual standing desk, except that it has an electric motor that allows you to push a button to automatically raise or lower it. Many powered options have programmable settings that can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences.
While there’s a time and place for each of these options, most people prefer a sit-to-stand adapter or a powered standing desk, with the latter being the gold standard.
The Benefits of Standing Desks
Standing desks have become very popular in recent years – particularly in startups, tech companies, and home offices. The question is, are these desks useful or merely a trend? The best way to find out is by exploring the benefits:
- Reduce back pain. One of the primary goals of a standing desk (for many) is to reduce chronic back pain that comes from sitting over long periods of time. According to one study, participants reported a 32 percent improvement in lower back pain within just weeks of implementing a standing desk into their work routine.
- Lower risk of heart disease. There’s ample research over the decades to indicate that standing is far better for heart health than sitting. This has something to do with the increased circulation and movement. Thus, standing at work can actually be tied to a lower risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular-related issues.
- Improved mood and energy. According to one seven-week study, individuals who use standing desks report less fatigue and stress than those who sit down the entire day. Furthermore, 87 percent of people report increased energy and vigor during the workday.
- Greater productivity. In some individuals, a standing desk can actually improve productivity levels. This is likely tied to the improved mood and energy mentioned in the previous bullet.
As you can see, a standing desk is more than just a fad. Millions of office workers are finding that they improve physical health and even support balanced mental health. Not bad for a simple twist on the age-old desk, right?
How to Find the Right Standing Desk
As standing desks have become more popular, there’s been increased innovation in the space. You can find a variety of options, materials, technologies, and features. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs:
1. Consider Constraints
What sort of constraints do you face in your desire to transition from a traditional desk to a standing desk? For example, some people work for an employer who requires standardized desks in all offices and won’t allow you to replace your desk (even if you offer to pay for it). In this case, your only option would be a sit-to-stand adapter.
2. Establish a Budget
You can spend anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars on a standing desk setup. Make sure you establish a budget early on so that you don’t end up buying something you can’t afford.
3. Purchase from the Right Company
Finally, make sure you purchase your standing desk from the right company. There are lots of online stores and brands that make/sell standing desks, but you want to ensure you’re working with a company that provides quality materials (and who actually stands by their products).
BTOD is one of the better options out there. Just read their reviews and you’ll see that they have a loyal following of satisfied customers. (They also sell things like office chairs, which makes them a great one-stop shop.)
Putting it All Together
With very few exceptions, a standing desk makes an excellent, health-conscious addition to any office. Whether you work out of a spare bedroom in your apartment, rent a coworking space, or have an office at your employer’s place of business, a standing desk has the potential to totally revolutionize your workspace and improve your physical and mental health. Will you give one a try?