How Standing Desks Promote Health And Productivity

Due to a recent rise in studies linking prolonged periods of sitting to an increased risk of developing health problems – with some even going so far as to declare sitting the new smoking – it is no surprise that the interest and popularity of standing desks have also been on the rise.

Sit + Stand desks are an increasingly popular option in homes and offices across the country, and since we’re not just talking about corporate office furniture—we’re also referring to height-adjustable desks that are used for home offices as well — it stands to reason that consumers also want something as beautiful as it is functional.

Here are some of the pros and cons of using a standing desk, featuring a few designs from BDI. 

FEEL THE BURN

Sitting at your desk burns far fewer calories than standing while working or — even better — walking. Yet, most of us sit quite a bit — an average of 5 hours and 41 minutes each day.

When you sit for just 20 minutes, your caloric expenditure drops to just 1 calorie per minute, and when you burn fewer calories, your risk for obesity increases. This can trigger a higher risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain cancers — including breast cancer and colon cancer — and joint pain.

Beyond weight gain and its associated complications, there are other threats to sitting for long periods. For example, the enzymes that break down fat drop by as much as 90 percent, good cholesterol drops by 20 percent, insulin effectiveness drops by 24 percent and the electrical activity in your leg muscles shuts off and puts your inactive legs to sleep.

TL;DR: If you want to avoid the health risks associated with a sedentary work environment; you’ve got to get up out of your seat!

Of course, you’re not only sitting in the office. You sit during your daily commute, during meals, or just to unwind at the end of the day on the couch while you ‘Netflix and chill.’

All told, most of us do a lot of sitting.

Contrary to popular belief, time clocked in at the gym isn’t necessarily going to help to counter the negative effects of sitting all day either, just as “going for a run will do little to counter the negative effects of a pack-a-day smoking habit,” according to James Vlashos.

DON’T JUST STAND THERE 

Conversely, studies have shown that a standing-only desk isn’t necessarily the answer either…not completely, anyway.

Just because you’re standing doesn’t change the fact that you’re still relatively inactive, and standing all day can compress the spine, which leads to lower back problems. You can also increase your odds for gravity-related ailments such as carotid arteries, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis.

What’s more, some tasks are more difficult to complete while standing. For instance, tasks that require fine motor skills — such as writing or drafting — or deeper concentration are easier when done while sitting.

While standing does burn more calories than sitting, you’re also more likely to tire more quickly — which does nothing for your productivity — not to mention your comfort!

Taking all of the benefits and risks into account, the optimum solution is a height-adjustable desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday easily.

WHY BDI LIFT DESKS?

As some of the most elegant and design-centered models that you’ll find on the market, BDI standing desks allow you to effortlessly raise and lower your work surface to comfortable standing and sitting positions. They are also rich with innovative features—like cable management—to best accommodate the needs of a modern home office.

BDI standing desks are versatile and attractive and feature a powered leg system that can smoothly lift and lower up to 220 lbs.

BDI standing desks will rise to your preferred sitting and standing heights with the press of a button. Thanks to four programmable digital presets, there is no need to continually fiddle with manual adjustments — your work surface is at just the right height every time.

What sets the BDI standing desks apart from other solutions on the market is our trademark focus on beautiful design, meticulous attention to detail, and versatile functionality. 

Whether you’re an executive, office employee, or working from home, there is no reason why your workspace shouldn’t reflect your personality and style.

So take a stand toward healthier work habits today! With the ideal sit-stand desk set up, you can operate at your best all day while making a significant contribution to your overall health and well-being.