Combat Our Sedentary Population With A Standing Desk! | Part Two

Welcome to Part Two of a Three-Part Blog Series focused on the benefits of standing desks. 

Standing desks, also known as height adjustable or sit stand desks, are rising in popularity in offices around the world, and for very good reasons! 

Be sure to read Part One, The History of Standing Desks, before you read on!

When you’re done here, head on over to Part Three: Combat sitting with a standing desk!

Standing desks and sit stand desks: what’s the difference?

‘Standing desk’ is probably the most common term used to describe a sit stand desk or height adjustable desk. Confusingly, a standing desk is occasionally used to describe a standing-only desk as well, which cannot be adjusted at all i.e. it is always in a standing position. Standing-only desks can be inconvenient because you will need a sitting desk as well. Yes, having a standing desk in the office does not mean you are standing all of the time! The benefits of a standing desk are attributed to avoiding a constantly sedentary position – whether that be sitting or standing.

Sit stand desks or height adjustable desks are more accurate terms as they quite literally describe a standing desk’s ability to alternate between sitting and standing positions. Modern height adjustable desks can be adjusted in height within seconds, at the push of a button. Conversely, older (and cheaper) adjustable desks need to be manually raised or lowered, which is more time-consuming and inefficient.

 In our experience, this generally means they’re rarely adjusted, thereby negating the purpose of having a standing desk at all! 

Adjusting the height on a sit stand desk

Ergomotion’s standing desks are electric sit stand desks that use an ultra-quiet energy efficient motor. These motors are European designed and built to extremely high specifications. They even have multiple memory positions so that you can quickly revert to your ideal sitting and standing height, with minimal fuss. The quick and quiet operation does not disrupt your working flow, and the desk remains totally level, so you don’t have to worry about things on your desk falling over!

These are our Top Tips to think about when making the switch:

* We recommend keeping a supportive chair on hand, so you can alternate between standing and sitting as and when you need to

* Make sure you have a comfy pair of shoes at work. Heels will offset most of the health benefits of a standing desk!

* Concentrate on standing tall with your shoulders back and relaxed, keeping your head in a neutral position when looking at your computer screen

* Start with small spurts of standing, and gradually work your way up to longer periods as you start to feel more comfortable. Give your body the time it needs to get used to your new routine!

…and what about height adjustable desks?

Height adjustable desks are simply another way of describing sit stand or standing desks, describing how they quite literally adjust their height so that you can either sit or stand throughout the day. The memory in the motor can adjust the desk to your perfect standing or sitting height in seconds, and alternating between the two positions offers huge health benefits! 

Did you know that you only burn one calorie a minute by sitting? Stay tuned on the many health benefits associated with a standing desk, as we will cover this off in more detail in Part Three of our final series on standing desks. 

For more information on standing desks, get in touch with one of our in-motion furniture experts today. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for our third and final part of the blog series: Health risks of sitting!

PS:

Here’s Part One

UPDATE: Find Part Three here!

Guy Director

Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Ergomotion Director since 2005.

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Mechanical Engineering Workstation Design Office Ergonomics Office Health