Sitting for long periods has been scientifically proven to be dangerous to one’s health. Research supports that individuals who lead a life with minimal physical activity have a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and experiencing an early death. [1] Constant sitting is also linked to obesity and weight gain, as this activity does not burn sufficient calories. [2] The concept of an adjustable standing desk was developed to combat the health risks that come with sitting for prolonged periods.
Are you planning to buy a standing computer desk for your office or home? How do you know what type of height-adjustable standing desk to buy? What is the best standing desk brand in the market today? Is it really dangerous spending most of your time sitting and doing sedentary work? To answer your questions, read more below.
What is a Standing Desk?
A standing computer desk is an adjustable desk that allows you to sit or stand while working. It is powered by linear motor drives that modify the height of the rising desk inches with just a click of a button. An adjustable standing desk goes by many names – standing computer desktop, stand-up desk, sit-stand desk, electric standing desk, uplift desk, or sit-stand workstation. Depending on the type and brand of the sit-to-stand desk frame, it may or may not require or come with an office chair or desk chair.
Electric standing desks have an incredible advantage over manually adjustable sit-stand workstations when it comes to convenience, speed, and performance. Although more expensive, they are still the preferred type of stand up desk. One reason for this is because of the continuing innovation when it comes to its construction. Different versions of height-adjustable desks have a wide range of amazing capabilities and accessories. The adjustable height desk can be adjusted in inches. They come in various textiles and designs, including heavy-duty steel and reclaimed wood.
15 Health Benefits of an Adjustable Standing Desk
Ergonomic Friendly
The most significant advantage of using an adjustable height desk is the ability of a person to transition from sitting to standing during work at any time of the day. An ideal sit-stand ratio is that a person should stand for at least 30 minutes every hour of sitting down. However, everyone is different. Standing for too long at a time can cause people to develop back pain that may become chronic. Each individual must find the right balance between sitting and standing. An adjustable monitor and ergonomic keyboard can also decrease the health risks brought about by long hours of sitting down in a traditional desktop with a monitor stand.
Prevents Neck Strain
Prolonged sitting sessions usually entail craning your neck towards your computer. This position forms a “C” shape posture that can put a strain on your neck. The aches and pains may be negligible at first, but over time it can lead to more severe complications. A standing computer desk at work can be very helpful in preventing this, as standing elongates your spine and offers a better eye level for your desk.
Reduces Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints from office workers who have been sitting all day. Research demonstrates that approximately 80% of adults in the workforce will experience back pain and neck pain from sitting down for long periods at least once in their lives. [3] The use of height-adjustable sit-stand desks reduces back pain in office workers by 54%, according to a 2011 “Take A Stand” project. [4]
Relieve Chronic Pain
Excessive or prolonged sitting can cause extreme pain, not just to the back and neck, but also to the feet and legs. Since our bodies are designed for moving, improper balance when sitting and standing can strain the joints. The results can be chronic body pain, pinched nerves, or herniated disks. With a height-adjustable ergonomic standing desk, you can ensure that you have ample lumbar support and develop a good posture.
Decrease Risks for Weight Gain and Obesity
Weight gain is often caused by unhealthy eating or overeating. However, another cause of obesity and excessive weight gain is living a sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary living doesn’t necessarily mean being a couch potato. It can also mean you spend more time sitting at work – and not doing any physical activity to offset the immobility. Studies show that a standing desk can slow body mass index (BMI) in both adults and children.[5]
Avert Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is an umbrella term used for all the conditions that escalate the risks for stroke, heart problems, diabetes, and obesity. Utilizing an adjustable desk as part of your workstation helps you burn calories, and also activates the systems in your body that process cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides. [6]
Prevent Heart Disease
Standing at work decreases heart disease. The results may not be as dramatic as previously thought, but chances of cardiovascular disease decrease with standing.
Boost Productivity
The ergonomic design of the Yaasa Adjustable Desk can help improve productivity in users. In fact, there are no known negative effects regarding productivity when using a world-class height-adjustable standing desk. Just like a regular desktop with a keyboard and mouse, the best standing desk still allows users to do their jobs, but more efficiently, with increased focus and mental alertness.
Improve Mood and Gain Energy
Adjustable desks are also proven to have a positive effect on a person’s overall mood. In one 7-week study, people who used a height-adjustable writing desk while writing experienced less fatigue and stress than those who sat all day at work. [7]
Boosts Mental Power
Efficient blood circulation is essential to achieve good health. Within only ten minutes of sitting down, blood flow is already negatively impacted, effectively increasing your risk for blood clots. Standing, however, can help stimulate blood flow again, resulting in the delivery of more nutrients and oxygen to the brain. It also encourages the creation of new cells, which, as a result, produces more brainpower and increases concentration and productivity.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
When you use a writing desk with an adjustable height in inches, you can also efficiently lower your blood sugar. Blood sugar levels spike after eating. However, a 2013 study, demonstrated that spending 185 minutes standing after lunch can reduce a person’s blood sugar levels by 43%. You can also reduce your blood sugar levels by 11.1% if you alternate between standing and sitting every 30 minutes. [8]
Decreases Mortality Rate
Standing can improve mental health, as well as reduce your risk for developing heart-related problems. This includes obesity and diabetes. In short, if you stand steady and avoid sitting down all the time, you may decrease your mortality rate.
Reduce Risk for Cancer
Among all the types of cancer, breast and colon cancer are the ones that have more links to lack of physical activity. According to a 2011 report on cancer statistics, approximately 49,000 cases of breast cancer and 43,000 cases of colon cancer every year are caused by excessive sitting. [9] The same study also stated that lung, ovarian, prostate, and endometrial cancer show a significant connection to prolonged sitting. The results do not definitively explain why sitting has a strong connection to these types of cancer. However, it may be attributed to the fact that C-reactive proteins increase when people are seated for a long time. [10]
Improve Posture
If you want to correct your posture, buying an adjustable desk is an excellent option. This technique also prevents you from hunching on your chair while looking over your laptop and keyboard. By merely standing while working, you are not only improving your posture but also strengthening your legs and core strength.
Lower Risk for Premature Death
According to a 2010 study done by the American Cancer Society, sitting for more than six hours a day can increase your risk of dying prematurely. That is especially true for women since their premature death rate of 37% is higher than men with only 18%.[11]
The Yaasa Adjustable Desk may be the best standing desk to help you lower your risk for premature death. This desk can help increase productivity levels and help you live longer. This is the best standing desk to help reduce sedentary time and prevent lifestyle diseases. The Yaasa Adjustable Desk is easy to assemble with a sleek patented lightweight design that belies an impressive carrying capacity. It also has a whisper-soft motor, so it’s not disruptive to use, even in a shared space. Assembly is easy. It comes in one box and requires the consumer to put in just 12 screws.
