The less you sit, the better. But sometimes, a sedentary lifestyle cannot be avoided – especially when our work requires us to sit most of the time. That’s why office ergonomics is becoming increasingly important. An essential part of office ergonomics is desk ergonomics.
A standing desk or height-adjustable desk, is a special desk that can be used while standing up. It is specially designed for workplace wellness as it comes with many health benefits. Here are 13 benefits on why standing desks are better than regular desks:
Reduces Risk of Obesity and Weight Gain
Did you know that standing can actually burn calories? Studies show that standing can burn between 70 to 95 calories per hour while sitting burns 65 to 85. This may not seem significant but they do add up over time.
For example, you’ll burn an extra 30 calories by swapping 3 hours of sitting for standing. All in all, standing is great for weight management and preventing obesity.Standing continuously may be hard in the beginning but you’ll get used to it eventually.
Check out our standing desk guide on how to use one the right way.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Your blood sugar levels are a measurement of how much glucose you have in your blood. Blood sugar level increases after meals, raising the risk of health issues.
Standing desks can help manage and lower these levels by promoting movement throughout the day. This is highly beneficial for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Reduced Risk of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is largely linked to sedentary behaviour which can lead to increased blood sugar levels. This will cause insulin resistance, where your body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
Standing desks encourage regular movement, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This is particularly beneficial for those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Posture Improvement
You’ve probably found yourself slouching towards the monitor now and then. This may seem harmless at first but that’s how bad posture starts. This is another health issue that has plagued the working world.
Over time, poor posture can lead to a range of health issues. These issues can lead to muscle imbalances and skeletal misalignment, contributing to chronic pain. A natural remedy to combat the development of bad posture is none other than “standing”.
We revert to our natural postures when we stand. It takes a load off the spine and reduces pressure on the lower back.
Improves Leg Circulation
Prolonged sitting during the day will decrease blood circulation to the lower body. When you sit for extended periods, blood flow to your legs can become restricted.
This can lead to discomfort, swelling and an increased risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). With sit-stand desks, you’ll be encouraged to stand more frequently. This will activate your leg muscles, promoting blood flow to your legs and entire body.
Reduced Back Pain
Back pain is common in the office. You’ll probably notice colleagues holding their back in discomfort, stretching to alleviate tension. This is a familiar sight in offices and the culprit is none other than prolonged sitting.
A standing desk is one of the more practical solutions to reduce back pain. Your spine maintains a natural curve when you stand, distributing weight evenly across your body. This alleviates the pressure on your lower back and reduces the risk of chronic back pain.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Can’t get enough exercise due to tight working hours? Then a standing desk is the solution for you. Prolonged sitting can lead to various cardiovascular issues like heart disease and high blood pressure.
Standing can help reduce these risks by encouraging more movement. It is a physical activity that can get your heart rate up and you can practically do it all day – all you need is the desk!
It may not be as effective as your regular workout but you’ll feel the difference eventually. We highly recommend the 9am Pesk Smart Electric Height Adjustable Table.
It comes with a sit or stand reminder, ensuring you get enough cardiovascular support throughout the day.
Boost Energy Levels
Everyone experiences that post-meeting exhaustion or mid-afternoon slump after lunch. This can have a significant impact on your work productivity and performance. Standing up periodically is a great way to boost energy levels.
Just a few minutes of standing and stretching can make a big difference in how you feel. It increases blood flow to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that enhance focus and concentration.
You’ll even stimulate the release of endorphins, our natural mood enhancers.
Increased Productivity
Higher energy levels will lead to increased productivity. Standing promotes a sense of urgency and can make it easier to transition between activities. You’ll be more engaged and focused on your task, encouraging an increase in output.
Additionally, the ability to move freely can lead to more dynamic thinking and creativity. You’ll be able to come up with new ideas, making brainstorming more fun. Standing also gets the best out group collaborations as it encourages active participation.
Strengthens Your Core
Your core muscles support your entire body. A strong core will help you stay upright, stabilising balance while you move. Standing engages the core and it has the potential to tone your muscles over time. This can lead to a stronger core and better looking abs!
You’ll even improve your posture, reducing the risk of back pain and neck aches.
Improved Posture
With great core muscles, comes great posture. Having improved posture is the result of having strong core muscles and a well-aligned spine. When you use a standing desk, you naturally adopt a more upright stance.
This ensures proper alignment of your head, neck and spine. This not only reduces the risk of chronic injuries but also enhances your overall appearance and self-confidence. Good posture also allows for better breathing and circulation, contributing to better focus.
More Desk Space
Sufficient desk space can be the difference between getting work done efficiently and effectively. That’s because we work better when we have more space to work with. Most standing desks have larger dimensions than regular desks.
This will make it easier to organise your workspace or integrate more devices. Take the 9am Pesk Smart Electric Height Adjustable Table L-Shape for example. Its l-shape design is ideal for creating a multi-functional workspace.
You can spread out documents, tech items and personal items without feeling cramped!
Customisable Desks
Standing desks are highly customisable. You can upgrade your space with a whole bunch of ergonomics items to make your desk even more ergonomic! Items that can enhance your desk setup include anti-fatigue mats, footrests, monitor arms and ergonomic chairs.
The more ergonomic your workspace, the more healthier your working environment will be.
“Stand more, sit less” should be the new norm when it comes to modern working environments. And revamping your space with a brand new standing desk is a great way to get things “standing”.
It will not only improve your lifestyle from a physical standpoint, but it will also help you be more productive at work. So take a stand for your health and go get that standing desk, today!
Check out our products for more ergonomic solutions and other work related items.
