Is a Standing Desk Worth It? Pros, Cons & How to Choose the Right One

Are you considering investing in a height adjustable standing desk? You’re not alone! More and more people are asking the same question: Is a standing desk worth it?

My experience of using a small standing desk has only been positive overall, and I’m super happy with having the flexibility to adjust my stance on a whim in my home office!

Let’s look at the benefits, downsides, and types of standing desks available today and how to choose what’s right for your desk setup.

I’ll also cover some tips on how to set up and use a standing desk correctly so you get the maximum benefit possible; so let’s dive in!

Is a standing desk worth it?

In my personal opinion, yes!

There are plenty of facts to suggest that this type of workspace can benefit your health and productivity in a big way due to more physical activity.

It may cost more than a regular desk, but if you want to invest in your long-term health and comfort for your working environment, the extra money is worth it.

When choosing a suitable sit-stand desk for you, consider what type of work you will be doing at it and how much space you have available.

Once set up correctly, using your new stand up desk should become part of your daily routine so that you can reap all the benefits associated with it.

Benefits of a Standing Desk

High-quality standing desks are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace, and for a good reason. They offer several benefits that can help improve posture, productivity, and overall health.

Improved Posture

A standing desk encourages an upright posture, which helps reduce back pain associated with sitting for long hours.

You probably recognize how your co-workers slouch in their chairs like sacks of potatoes. Your spine won’t be your friend if you sit like this for hours, every single day, year-round.

A standing position also helps to strengthen core muscles that keep your spine aligned properly.

This improved posture can lead to better circulation throughout the body and increased energy levels throughout the day.

You just feel more alert and ready to tackle hard tasks when you stand up; it’s probably something ingrained in us since the caveman days.

Increased Productivity

Standing at your desk instead of sitting increases blood flow to your brain, which can help you stay focused on tasks longer without feeling tired or distracted.

Additionally, standing while working can increase motivation and creativity due to its dynamic nature compared to sitting down for long periods of time.

This makes it easier for people who work from home or have remote jobs to stay productive during their workday without having too many distractions around them.

Reduced Risk of Health Issues

So, a big caveat here, I’m not a doctor or a physiotherapist, but a standing desk is beneficial for physical and mental health.

As you know, allowing more movement throughout your day beats sitting, and standing also burns more extra calories than sitting. You should include these health benefits in your daily workday.

Studies have found that standing up for at least 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by more than 33%, which is massive for anyone thinking about heart disease and obesity.

However, prolonged standing can lead to ill effects, which can be reduced by changing working positions frequently, and sitting down in an office chair for a while.

Overall, the benefits of a standing desk outweigh the drawbacks of a sedentary lifestyle. It gives you a sense of freedom with the ability to adjust your stance whenever needed.

It’s like buying your first car, you don’t need to use it, but you know you CAN use it when you want.

Drawbacks of a Standing Desk

The cost of a standing desk can be an initial investment that some may want to avoid making.

A good quality standing desk can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the features and materials used. This makes it difficult for those with a limited budget to invest in one.

Standing all day can also cause fatigue and strain your feet, legs, back, and neck muscles if you don’t take breaks or adjust your posture throughout the day.

Pausing regularly when using a standing desk is essential to stay energized after extended use.

This is where an ergonomic chair comes in handy until you train your body to adapt to standing up for more extended periods.

Despite a few potential drawbacks of a standing desk, it can still be an effective way to improve your health and productivity.

In the next section, I’ll explore some of the different types of standing desks available on the market today.

Types of Standing Desks Available on the Market Today

Electric standing desks are the most popular stand workstations. They come with a motorized mechanism that allows you to adjust the height of your desk quickly and easily, usually at the press of a button.

This makes them ideal for people who need to switch between sitting and standing throughout their workday. When you use standing desks, be prepared for the need to alternate often.

Electric standing desks are expensive, but they offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

Standing desk converters are another popular option when it comes to standing desks.

These desks use a hand crank or lever system to raise or lower your workspace as needed.

Manual adjustable desks are more affordable than electric models, making them an attractive choice for those on a budget.

However, they require some effort to adjust the height manually each time you want to switch from sitting down to standing up again.

They can also look bulky, which will not be appreciated by someone looking for aesthetics.

How to Choose the Right Standing Desk for You?

Choosing a suitable standing desk for your needs and budget is important, so consider all factors before purchasing.

Consider Your Budget and Needs

Before shopping for a standing desk on Amazon or other vendors, it’s essential to determine how much you are willing to spend on one.

This will help narrow down your choices so that you only spend what is necessary or settle for something that doesn’t meet your requirements.

Think about what features you need from a standing desk, such as:

• Adjustable height
• Storage space
• Desk thickness
• Bamboo vs. laminate
• How much weight can the desk handle without wobbling
• If surge protectors underneath are included, etc.
• How long warranty period is

Measure Your Space and Choose the Right Size Desk

Once you have determined how much money you are willing to spend on a standing desk, measure where it will be placed to ensure it fits properly within the designated space.

Also, consider additional accessories, such as monitor arms or keyboard trays, when measuring so that they fit comfortably alongside the desk.

Choosing a suitable standing desk for your needs and budget is essential in creating a comfortable, productive workspace.

Now that you have the basics, it’s time to learn how to set up and use your new standing desk correctly.

Setting Up and Using Your New Standing Desk Correctly

A standing desk can be an excellent way to improve your posture, increase productivity, and reduce the risk of health issues associated with sitting for long periods.

However, it is vital to set up and use your new standing desk correctly to maximize its benefits while avoiding any potential injuries or fatigue due to improper use.

You must have the right ergonomic accessories when setting up your new standing desk as well.

This includes an adjustable monitor arm, footrests, anti-fatigue mats, and wrist supports.

These will help ensure you are comfortable working at your new desk and minimize any strain on your body from prolonged standing.

Take Breaks Throughout the Day to Avoid Fatigue or Injury

Standing for extended periods can cause fatigue or injury if not done correctly.

To avoid this issue, taking regular breaks throughout the day is essential so that you don’t overwork yourself or put too much strain on specific body parts.

Taking short walks around every hour or two helps keep blood flowing, reducing fatigue and ensuring you stay productive throughout the day.

Lastly, you must adjust your desk as needed to maintain maximum comfort while using it.

This means ensuring all components are correctly adjusted according to their instructions.

Hence, they fit comfortably against your body without causing discomfort during usage.

Additionally, ensure no sharp edges are sticking out, which could cause injury if left unchecked.

Standing Desk FAQs