
On average, most Americans spend close to ten hours each day sitting in front of their work computer screens, and this 10 hours doesn’t include time spent watching television and surfing the web at home. If we also account for sleeping time, it comes to a total of 21 sedentary hours of per day.
Medical researchers have long warned about the negative effects of prolonged sitting. In fact, the medical industry has coined the phrase, “Sitting is the new Smoking” to emphasis the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting. What we need are solutions to combat sedentary lifestyles.
One solution that is gaining traction is standing desks that allow users to maintain a standing posture while working. Many models are adjustable, and known as “sit-stand desks” or “electric height adjustable tables“, and allow users to alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the work day. Below we discuss five benefits of standing desks, all backed by scientific evidence.
Scientific Benefits of Standing Desks –
1. Lowers the Possibility of Weight Gain
Many people believe that exercise alone is the way to burn calories and shed those extra pounds, however, choosing to stand while working can also reap results. Science has also shown that sitting for long hours is detrimental for both physical and mental health.
Research conducted on a group of office workers by Dr. James A. Levine, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, showed that while all participants were on the same diet and exercise regimen, the group who remained seated all day gained more weight than the group that worked in a standing position, engaging in moderate movements.
2. Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Problems
Sitting all day at a desk can also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including chest pains and heart attached, according to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic. Even if exercise is excluded from the routine, people who spend more time sitting are more likely to face heart problems as compared with those use sit-stand furniture solutions that include moderate movement. Working on a standing desk or electric height adjustable table reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems and improves your general well-being. The more time spend on your feet, the better for your heart and cardiovascular functions.
3. Promotes a Better Posture
Many people make a conscious effort to improve their posture and keep their spine straight; however, only a handful succeed. If you want to correct your posture effortlessly, there is no better alternative than using a standing desk. The only challenge is to position the desk correctly, a challenge that disappears when using electric height adjustable tables. Adjust the computer screen level in such a way that you have to slightly look up to work. This solution, when used correctly, leads to a dramatic improvement in posture, as you don’t have to slouch or hunch your shoulders to use the keyboard, something people do when using comfortable, revolving chairs. Using electric height adjustable tables also helps improve your core strength.
Related read – Health Benefits Of Using Height Adjustable Table & Desks
4. Elevates User Mood and Energy Levels
Apart from physical benefits, working while standing also has a number of mental benefits. When you are standing, the body is able to get rid of the restless energy, leading to an increase in focus, energy, and activity levels. Working on standing desks or electric height adjustable tables can also help in fighting lethargy and bouts of fatigue. Standing can also prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, especially after lunch or snacking.
5. Helps Minimize Back Pain
More than 31 million Americans deal with back pain, and one of the prominent causes is a sedentary lifestyle, both at work and home. The primary reason is that the chair supports the upper body, so the back remains dormant for the most part. This leads to compression in the abdominal and chest cavities, slouching of the shoulders, and rolling of the spine. Working on a sit stand desk engages the core and back muscles, which may provide some relief to back pain. Several studies show that standing and sit-stand desks can nullify the effects of prolonged sitting and lead to dramatic relief in chronic back pain.
The Bottom Line
Chances are high that your body is more accustomed to sitting, therefore, you need to proceed gradually with the move to a standing desk. Start slow and spend only 20 minutes at your standing desk and alternate standing and sitting throughout the day. With regular practice, you will get used to the setup and increase the time you spend standing. Adjust the screen to the correct level before use and wear non-slip, supportive footwear. To reap maximum benefits, move constantly and increase your walking time. If you are looking for premium quality electric height adjustable tables, take a look at Merge Works height adjustable tables with dual motors and 4 programmable presets for optimal heights. To learn more about our ergonomic office furniture and customization options call us at 210-988-6768 or complete our contact form.