In recent years, the benefits of standing desks have emerged as the disadvantages of too much sitting have taken their toll on folks who work at desks. By adding intervals of standing to a work day, you can counteract the potential negative side effects of sitting still.

Why Is Sitting So Bad for You?

Sitting for too long without a lot of movement is not idea for a body because if you’re (mostly) still for a long period of time, you’re not burning calories, which can make your cardiovascular systems less efficient. Fewer calories burned also means higher fat retention, and because you’re not working any muscles when you sit, there is an increased potential for bone loss. Another negative side effect to lots of time spent sitting is poor posture, as well as a stiff and achy neck, back, and shoulders.

Are Standing Desks Really Better for You?

A standing desk or standing work station can help you experience the following benefits:

  • Improved circulation
  • Improved posture
  • Lowered risk of heart disease
  • Lowered risk of weight gain and obesity
  • Increased productivity
  • Better regulated blood sugar
  • Improved mood
  • Increased energy
  • Faster metabolic rate

Which Standing Desks and Active Workstations Are Best?

A person is seen standing on an anti-fatigue standing desk mat while working

Ergodriven Anti-Fatigue Standing Desk Mat 

While simply standing up is the goal with standing desks, it’s always wise to keep moving while you’re at it. The Anti-Fatigue Standing Desk Mat helps you achieve this with dips and bumps that force your feet and legs to make small, regular adjustments and movements.

Men & women are seen standing on balance boards while working in an office

Fluidstance Level Standing Desk Balance Board 

Improve your balance and focus with the Fluidstance Balance Board. One can enhance the standing experience by encouraging you to constantly make slight micro-movements that keep the body active in a subtle way.

A man stands at his desk and works on his computer using a 3-tiered standing desk

Uncaged Ergonomics Multi-Level Adjustable Standing Desk 

An adjustable standing work surface from Uncaged Ergonomics is an easy and accessible way to reap the standing benefits with the desk you already have. The multi-level work top pops up when you want to get to work and collapses back down just as quickly.

A man is seen standing while working on his laptop, which is attached to a window-mounted standing desk from DeskView

DeskView Window-Mounted Standing Desk

Many standing desk users create various work stations within their workspace to allow for different movements throughout the day. But when the DeskView turns a window into a standing work station, you might not want to move away from the view.

A woman is seen working on her laptop while using Levit8's foldable laptop stand

Levit8 Foldable Laptop Stand

For a standing desk that can be set up in a flash, try this foldable laptop Stand from Levit8. Inspired by origami, it opens up in seconds and compacts down just as easily, giving you a portable yet dependable way to change up your work space.

Better Ways to Take a Seat

A woman sits on a blue Ergo Ergo while working at a desk

ErgoErgo Active Sitting Stool

Forget the exercise ball and try this accordion-like active sitting stool by ErgoErgo. It’s slightly bouncy and comfy to sit on, and encourages slight movements throughout the day, offering a perfect way to keep your core engaged without feeling unstable while you sit.

A woman is seen pedaling under her desk using Cubii's under desk elliptical

Cubii Low Profile Under Desk Elliptical

For a veritable workout while you work, try Cubii’s quiet, smooth-moving under desk elliptical. It fits low profile design fits under your desk so you can cycle away whenever the mood hits you. 

When You’re Not at Work

Lastly, these tech stands can help relieve tension that’s often caused by holding and looking at mobile devices for prolonged periods of time. These are great for when you’re relaxing at home and still want to use a screen.

A man lays in bed reading his tablet comfortably with Tablift

Tablift Flexible Universal Tablet Stand

Tablift’s flexible tablet stand fits all tablet sizes and allows you to sit back and relax while watching movies, reading eBooks, or surfing the web. The flexible but sturdy design is the perfect way to re-define working from home, and make sure you can reliably get work done from the comfort of your bed or couch.

A tablet sits suspended in a wearable mobile device stand on a counter with a cooking recipe onscreen

Sospendo Wearable Mobile Device Stand

Sit back in your chair, lay on the couch, or even walk around the house while using your smart phone or tablet—without your hands. Sospendo fits comfortably around your shoulders as a wearable tablet holder, or you can stand it up on a table or countertop.

Reap the Benefits of Standing Desk Use

With too much sitting in your daily routine, what starts as a stiff neck can grow into a larger health issue. Fortunately, you can help curtail the negative effects from prolonged sitting by making your workday more active and more ergonomic, and by taking advantage of the benefits of standing desks and work stations.

Looking for more gadgets to boost productivity? Take a look at our office collection here!

Categorized in:

Tagged in:

,