Thoughts on standing desks?

sabrajanebrown

I have a standing desk at work and I love it. I stand for an hour, sit for an hour. I take regular breaks where I walk around, get a coffee, etc. What are your thoughts on adjustable desks?

kshama2001

Sounds intriguing! I've never had one myself, but here's a story and discussion about it: https://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/10/01/standing-desk-dangers-of-sitting

OldAssDude

I used one for a while, but since I walk at least 7 miles a day 7 days a week now, I use an exercise ball to sit on at work. I also get up frequently and take some steps.

Orphia

It is no substitute for exercise, a new cohort study has shown.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2015/10October/Pages/Standing-no-healthier-than-sitting.aspx

"Any stationary posture where energy expenditure is low may be detrimental to health, be it sitting or standing."

pandyg180

I have a desk at work that electronically raises and lowers with the push of a button. I used to sit a lot and not utilize the lift function but today, for example, I stood for 6 hours and avoided sitting so much. It felt great and I plan to keep it up. Standing burn calories so it is a win win!

tomatoey

I think they're probably all right for increasing your NEAT, but how easy is it to do work using those things?

ncboiler89

I worked at a manufacturer of standing decks. The hours were long and hard. The wages were less than adequate. We decided to stage a sit in to demonstrate our displeasure.

Merkavar

There is one at work. Never seen anyone use it.

It's less of a standing desk and more of a small platform for your computer so it sounds like you don't have much desk space so you would have your computer at one level an everything else at another.

85Cardinals

I couldn't stand a desk like that! Gimme a nice office chair for God's sake.

Therealobi1

85Cardinals wrote: »

I couldn't stand a desk like that! Gimme a nice office chair for God's sake.

i would hate it too.

Machka9

Lots of my coworkers have them. They stand and work for half an hour or so, then sit for half an hour or so, then stand for half an hour or so... and repeat. The surface can be raised and lowered.

Seems to work for them.

One uses it because he has a bad back and can't sit for long periods of time.

I may ask for one in our new office, depending on the office layout. I'm not supposed to sit for long periods of time either because of a medical issue.

Meanwhile, I get up fairly frequently and walk and/or climb several flights of stairs.

RzRzRzR

I have a standing desk due to back problems. I love it! It's a full-sized desk that electrically raises or lowers and has three memory preset positions. My co-workers like it and several others requested them too.

I started using it only half-day at first because I was afraid my feet would hurt, but now I use it full-time and my back no longer hurts as much. I no longer struggle to get out of my chair after sitting and getting stiff in one position. I find that I'm not just standing in one position, but I actually move around quite a bit more. I also stretch my legs more frequently during the day now.

I'm off the pain meds which is the best benefit so far, but my core strength (i.e. belly) has definitely improved since I started using this desk. I did not expect that added benefit. I've been motivated to resume using MFP again too!

I would like to know if there is a valid calorie count comparison of using a standing desk vs sitting all day.

aylajane

I have the electronic full desk type. I agree that standing all day in one place is almost as bad as sitting (not quite, but up there). When I am standing, I bounce and dance a lot. I choose to do that when I am doing more mindless tasks like just answering emails etc. If I really need to "think" or concentrate, I sit. I also got a "stool" thing from ikea that raises and lowers and the bottom is rounded - similar to sitting on a ball but more stable. I alternate all day long between standing, sitting in regular chair, and sitting on this stool at various heights (at the highest, I am "standing" but with a seat). Best thing every for my back. If I sit all day, i can barely walk every time I stand up - it takes about 50 steps before my hips and knees unwind enough to talk normal.

Azdak

I think that whatever modest benefit they might provide at first dissipates rather quickly over time.

303lissy

One person in my office requested one and now the requests are going nuts. I'm next on the list and I can't wait If I get caught in work I can easily sit still on my computer for hours and not move. Standing still might not be good either, but it'll cause me to wiggle around and move more.

LBuehrle8

I have a standing desk and it's great. It's stuck in the standing position and requires a lot of effort and time to put it back to where I can sit so I stand all day everyday.

Packerjohn

Mine is adjustable and a full size desk, it's great help with back/hip issues. I alternate sitting and standing during the day. Probably 70/30 standing.

I don't think it really does much to counteract the general inactivity that comes with an office job.

JeepHair77

One of my co-workers requested one a year or so ago, and management got her one - the platform kind that you can put on top of your regular desk and raise and lower at will. I watched for a while, intrigued. She used it a good bit at first, then intermittently, and now, she sits pretty much all day. I think it's a good IDEA, but the practicalities vary.

I don't think it would work for me, having watched her. Sure, my computer could be raised to a good standing height, but if I'm reviewing papers or taking notes, the rest of my desk would still be way too low.

I do try to stand up and move around when I'm on the phone, though.

mitch16

My husband had one for several years due to piriformis syndrome. He has since moved to a new company where they won't provide one and the piriformis syndrome is back with a vengeance.

shannie018

I love my standing desk!

successgal1

I think for the sake of your circulatory system they are a good option to have if your job is primarily sitting. But as far as your health and weight loss, sedentary standing is still sedentary. Just ask my waistline and hip tendinitis.

Rachel0778

I really like mine. I also do about 50/50 standing and sitting. I haven't found any problems with getting my work done. I do still do a lap around the office at least once an hour too to help get the blood flowing. It's just nice to have a variety (not stuck in the same position day in and day out)