Many people feel tired after spending their entire workday sitting behind their desk. Even though there’s practically no physical activity in sitting, it can affect parts of the body much worse than walking, for example. The truth is, our bodies aren’t designed to sit for a long time. A sedentary lifestyle will affect your back, neck, shoulders in the long term, and will make even the simplest physical activity seem like a challenge. You may even develop chronic lower back pain, or pain in your elbows, shoulders, wrists or legs. Gaining weight, circulatory problems and diabetes are other ‘side effects’ from sitting for too long.
But even though most jobs require working on a desk behind a computer, you don’t have to spend the entire day sitting. If you were eyeing those sit-stand desks for a while but weren’t sure they were suitable for you or you wondered whether you can endure standing while working, we have a few tips to help you choose the right model and use it comfortably and effectively.
Tips for Choosing Your Sit Stand Desk
If you want to buy an ergonomic sit stand desk, you probably have a million questions about the following super important features. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Functionality
The main reason why you get your sit stand desk is its functionality. Does it help you work without any discomfort or pain? Is it sturdy enough to endure all the weight? Does its mechanism functions impeccably? You should invest in a model that offers all the functions it’s meant to do, without exceptions.
Space & Measurements
Like any piece of furniture, before buying you need to consider the space in your office or at home. It would determine the size of your standing desk. This is a taller broader desk compared to a regular desk. So, it will definitely need more space. Take precise dimensions of the desk and space where you plan to place it. If you’re taking dimensions while wearing shoes, be sure that the pair is the one that you often wear while working. These dimensions will help you get the best standing desk that will be suitable for your height and won’t irritate your joints and cause muscle discomfort.
Weight Capacity
This is another serious factor for consideration. You will certainly place several heavier objects on the desk. If the weight capacity of the desk is too small, you’ll have to find a solution to keep them someplace else. And surely, this won’t be convenient for you. Your standing desk should have a big weight capacity to keep all your necessary desk items such as a monitor, keyboard, stationery, phones, and so on.
Noise
These adaptable desks have built-in hydraulic motors in them. This is why they make some noise when you operate them. Some models are quite noisy, others are not so much. However, not many of these desks are loud, so if the sound may be a problem that could affect your working and productivity, seek a model that doesn’t make a too much noise.
Warranty
When purchasing your standing desk, keep in mind that no matter how great it is and how good of a deal you got, it means nothing without a suitable warranty. These aren’t the most affordable desks, so a guarantee is crucial if anything happens to the desk. It should cover the reparations and quality.
Using the Desk Correctly
While sitting for too long isn’t good, standing for too long may be an actual challenge for a person who is used to a sedentary lifestyle. Once you get your desk, it’s important to get used to it. Begin slowly and adjust your body to the new desk. But be careful, having such a desk doesn’t mean you should stand the whole day. You can’t just jump into the new habit and stand the entire time. It will be uncomfortable for you and you may feel anxious. Your body would crave to return to its old habits. What’s more, standing for too long has its own set of health risks.
Start slowly and create sitting and standing intervals. For instance, you could sit for half an hour and then stand for the next five to ten minutes. This is a good way to stretch your muscles and let your body adjust to the new habit. Gradually add a few more minutes after every few days. Once you get used on standing and working, you can practice standing every other hour and have an equal ration of standing and sitting during your workday.
But, are there any standing rules? The answer is yes. Just as you can have an incorrect posture while sitting (which affects your spine, hips and shoulders) there is an incorrect standing posture. You shouldn’t lean on the table by distorting your back and neck. You are supposed to stand straight. The best way to stand at your standing desk is to point your toes forward with your feet placed firmly into the ground. You should activate most of your muscles in your legs and keep your back and neck straight (forget about slouching).
Although this may feel like a harsh physical activity, with time it will become your natural posture and you won’t even think about it, feel any pain or discomfort. You can use monitor arms to improve office work and reduce the chances of slouching and leaning. Some people find it easier to stand if they put something soft under their feet. It could be an anti-fatigue mat or flow board that has an ergonomic design and will reduce the pressure you put on your feet.
