Did you know we spend about a third of our life working? That’s a lot of life! Chances are we could all benefit from making this time more supportive and comfortable. A standing desk can be the key to elevating your work from home setup and improving your overall wellness, from boosting your mood to mitigating chronic back pain.
Here we’re sharing the benefits of standing desks vs. sitting, along with a roundup of ergonomic standing desks to instantly upgrade your work from home routine.
There certainly are. It’s probably no surprise to hear that sitting for long periods of time isn’t ideal for your health. While prolonged sitting is linked to an increased risk of mental health issues and chronic health problems (such as heart disease and diabetes), standing desks are associated with the opposite: boosted productivity and reduced back pain.
Here's how a standing desk can benefit your health.
From improving your posture to boosting your mood, standing desk health benefits make it a must-have item in your WFH setup.
1. Improves posture
When used properly, a standing desk can help you maintain better posture at your computer. Experts also note that alternating between sitting and standing (even for only a few minutes) can improve your posture. Ideally, your neck will be aligned over your spine, and your shoulders will be relaxed and not hunched up toward your ears or tilted down toward your computer.
2. Mitigates chronic body pain
Anyone who has sat for hours at a time can probably attest to feeling a little achey in some area of their body. If you're sitting every day, you might notice that you experience chronic body pain. The good news: A study published by the CDC found that neck pain was reduced by 54% when participants used standing desks after just four weeks.
3. Helps keep you focused and productive
Standing desks can be an adjustment, but once you get into the groove of switching between standing and sitting, you may notice a boost in your productivity. Why? Standing is an efficient way to reduce fatigue, so it’s likely connected to a more productive and focused day.
4. Improves blood circulation
A static body is linked to decreased circulation. When you adjust positions between sitting and standing, you’ll have better blood flow compared to sitting for hours at a time.
Alternating between standing and sitting about every half hour not only helps improve blood circulation, but it also reduces swelling. Doing it frequently throughout your day helps improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and enhance musculoskeletal comfort.
5. Helps with healthy wrist positioning
If your desk is adjusted properly (and ergonomically) for your body, your wrists should be in a neutral position above the keyboard. This is much better for your body than if you sit on your bed or a couch and have your wrists much lower, which can lead to strain and pain.
6. Boosts your mood
Need a pick-me-up? Standing desks are linked to lower feelings of stress and fatigue — and better moods and energy levels. Good news all around.
7. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, whereas standing more and moving through the day is beneficial for heart health.
8. Reduces risk of weight gain
While standing is not a substitute for exercise, it's better than sitting all day and it burns more calories. Over time, these calories add up and can make a difference. When we prioritize standing more often, we're often more motivated to do other forms of exercise, like walking, stretching, and working out.
9. Helps keep you feeling motivated
Feeling unmotivated? A standing desk may be able to help with that. According to the American Heart Association, organizations that create a culture of movement can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover, and reduce healthcare costs. We also recommend taking daily walks, exercising, and getting up to move every hour.
10. May help you live longer
On top of all of these standing desk health benefits, standing desks may even help you live longer. A 2012 study found that if the average American cut their sitting time to three hours per day, their life expectancy would increase by two years.
There’s no shortage of standing desk benefits. Here are a few more things you should keep in mind.
Similar to sitting, standing in the same position for hours at a time every day isn’t ideal for your body. That’s why we specialize in ergonomic sit-to-stand desks that allow you to switch positions and keep your body happy and healthy. You can also try to take breaks to stretch, walk around, and keep dynamic movement in your body whether you sit or stand — think calf raises, wrist rotations, and other exercises.
It’s also important to get a standing desk that is ergonomically designed for your body to avoid putting pressure on your legs, arms, wrist, and back. A good rule of thumb: Your elbows should rest at a 90 degree angle on your desk. You should also ensure that your desk isn’t so low that your shoulders and head tilt forward — or too high that you’re looking up. Instead, your shoulders should be relaxed and back, and your head should be comfortably over your spine.
Standing desks can also be an investment. Our sit-to-stand desks range between $445 and $849, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider investing in a standing desk converter that allows you to convert any desk or table into a sit-to-stand workstation.
Ready to take the standing desk plunge? Here are a few of our favorites to consider based on your space and workstyle.
Upside Sit-to-Stand Extended Range with Programmable Paddle
Best for: those who need a reminder to move and want the best of the best in a high-quality desk.
One of our best-sellers, our Upside Sit-to-Stand Extended Range with Programmable Paddle desk has an adjustable height range, durable surface, and plenty of space for papers, accessories, file folders, you name it.
This desk allows you to seamlessly shift between sitting and standing throughout the day. With a durable and spacious worksurface, adjustable height range, and easy-to-use paddle control, this desk is all about making your life easier, more productive, and healthier.
The Upside Sit-to-Stand Desk comes in eight top colors, three base colors, and five sizes.
Ergotron LearnFit Sit-to-Stand Desk
Best for: those who want a mobile desk that can easily be shifted into different rooms or small spaces.
If you’re the type of person who likes to change up your scenery, this desk is for you. Perfect for small spaces, it can be easily rolled into place and set in position with two locking casters. It’s spacious, easy to use, and height-adjustable. There’s also an integrated cupholder, tablet slot, and pencil holder.
As a special bonus, this desk features a programmable paddle control that lets you personalize alerts to remind you to get moving! So if you’re known to get sucked into a project and forget to move for hours at a time, this desk will help you incorporate more movement into your day, which will ultimately improve your productivity, focus, and health.
This desk comes in five top colors and three base colors. Plus, you can choose between five different sizes depending on your space.
Best for: those who want a mobile desk that can easily be shifted into different spaces or small spaces.
If you’re the type of person who likes to change up their scenery, this desk is for you. Perfect for small spaces, this desk can be easily rolled into place and set in position with two locking casters. It’s spacious, easy to use, and height-adjustable. There’s also an integrated cupholder, tablet slot, and pencil holder.
Upside Sit-to-Stand Desk, Standard Range
Best for: those looking for a classic, perfected sit-to-stand desk that will last for years.
Another best-seller, this desk allows you to seamlessly shift between sitting and standing throughout the day. With a durable and spacious worksurface, adjustable height range, and easy-to-use paddle control, this desk is all about making your life easier, more productive, and healthier.
The Upside Sit-to-Stand Desk comes in four top colors, three base colors, and five sizes.
Ergotron WorkFit-T/TL Standing Desk Converter
Best for: those looking for the benefits of a standing desk without buying a new desk.
Don’t have the space for a sit-to-stand desk? Opt for this desk converter instead. The Ergotron WorkFit-T/TL Standing Desk Converter is ideal for small spaces while maximizing your workstation. Height adjustable with an easy-to-use paddle control, this converter offers the benefits of a sit-to-stand desk without investing in a new piece of furniture.
Ergotron WorkFit Corner Standing Desk Converter
Best for: those working at a corner desk or table.
Easily transform any corner desk or table into your personal workstation with this sit-to-stand desk converter. Whether you’re in a home office or working in a small nook, this desk is height adjustable, easy to use, and comes with an integrated cupholder, tablet slot, and pencil holder.
Ergotron WorkFit-Z Mini Standing Desk Converter
Best for: those in need of a smaller option with a big payoff.
Meet the mini but mighty multi-tasker. With a compact worksurface that’s perfect for small spaces, this standing desk converter features a generous two-tiered work surface for all your essentials, and just the right amount of surface area to fit your monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse.
A desk is more than where you look at a computer — it’s where you spend hours of your day and ultimately, years of your life. The standing desk health benefits are numerous and make a standing desk worth investing in. It will not only help you work smarter but also feel better.
Some things are too good to keep to yourself.