The Rise and (pit) Falls of Standing Desks
“Sitting is the new smoking”
“You can lose weight with a standing desk”
“Your posture is better at a standing desk”
We’ve all heard about the advantages of standing desks, but with our new routine of working from home at least 1-2 days per week, do you really need a standing desk in the office or for home? While standing desks undoubtedly offer benefits, they also come with downsides.
I love a standing desk, and my job is certainly made easier when a workstation is fully adjustable. By this I mean, a full, flat desk that electronically lifts and lowers in a wide range to accommodate many different body types. The advantages of this type of desk include:
Ability and opportunity to change position frequently throughout the day
Adjustability so there is no need for a foot rest
For some specific work needs, the ability to adjust the desk depending on the task
More comfortable shoulder and neck position when set up correctly
On the flip side, if not used correctly, I have seen improper and dangerous use of standing desks. The difficulties with standing desks include:
Standing too long - this is still a static position and standing >30 minutes is not necessarily better than sitting for the same amount of time
Circulatory discomfort when standing - there is increased vascular “pooling” after just 26 minutes of standing (1)
Getting tired in standing and leaning on the desk – defeating the purpose of a “neutral” standing posture
Having the desk too high or low in sitting because it is totally adjustable – there is a recommended height range for sitting
It probably wont help you lose weight (sorry), you only burn ~10% more calories than sitting (2). If you are looking to lose weight, you need to get your heart pumping properly with aerobic exercise!
If you find you do not take enough breaks at home or in the office, and you are having persistent discomfort at your workstation, a standing desk can be PART of the solution. It depends on your individual needs, so if you're considering a standing desk, it's ideal to consult with a physiotherapist to ensure proper implementation of your new desk!
(1) Antle DM, Cormier L, Findlay M, Miller LL, Côté JN. Lower limb blood flow and mean arterial pressure during standing and seated work: Implications for workplace posture recommendations. Prev Med Rep. 2018 Mar 5;10:117-122. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.02.016. PMID: 29850397; PMCID: PMC5966524.
(2) Creasy SA, Rogers RJ, Byard TD, Kowalsky RJ, Jakicic JM. Energy Expenditure During Acute Periods of Sitting, Standing, and Walking. J Phys Act Health. 2016 Jun;13(6):573-8. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2015-0419. Epub 2015 Dec 21. PMID: 26693809.