Blog series: Combat sitting with a standing desk! | Part One: the history

Human-evolution-ergomotion

Blog series: Combat sitting with a standing desk! | Part One: the history

Over the next three months, we invite you to join us for our standing desk blog series. This three-part series will investigate the rise in popularity of the standing desk, the different types of standing desks that are available, and the health benefits associated with minimal sitting time and the risks of prolonged sitting!

Part one begins with the history of the standing desk, and how theyโ€™ve quickly grown in popularity in offices all over the world!

UPDATE: Find part two of standing desk blog series here!

UPDATE #2: Find part three โ€“ the final part โ€“ here!

The history of standing desksstanding desks development of humans

Letโ€™s begin with this statement: our bodies were not designed to sit. To explain we must go back โ€ฆ way back!

As bipedalism evolved, an upright gait was always maintained and we were fitter than ever, freeing up our hands for other uses.

Think back to the dawn of mankind, where we were walking, running, hunting, crawling, swimming, throwing, and carrying every single day to survive.

We werenโ€™t relying on machinery, computers, and electronics to do things for us โ€“ we did it all ourselves.

Fast forward many years to 1797, when Presbyterian minister Job Orton uttered the following words:

โ€œA sedentary life may be injurious. It must therefore be your resolute care to keep your body as upright as possible when you read and write; never stoop your head nor bend your breast. To prevent this, you should get a standing desk.โ€

Leonardo Da Vinci

During the 18th and 19th centuries, more people started to see how standing while working and writing could help increase productivity, enhance concentration, and promote creativity.

Standing desks was even seen as a sign of prestige: many notable leaders, artists and writers used standing desks, including Leonardo Da Vinci, Ernest Hemingway, Napoleon, and Winston Churchill.

As machines have taken over the bulk of work in various industries like mining, construction, and farming, weโ€™re taking a seat (literally) โ€“ thereโ€™s been a steady increase in sedentary jobs since the 1950s: according to the American Heart Association, sedentary jobs have increased 83 per cent since the middle of last century; now, 75 per cent of our jobs are sedentary, compared to the 25 per cent that are physically active.

Poor posture is the result of our sedentary lifestyle

How many times have you complained about a sore back, shooting neck pains, and stiff shoulders? Has it become something you just โ€œdeal withโ€? Poor posture has probably become second nature to us. Amongst sitting at our desks all day, driving, slinging a bag over the same shoulder, and bad sleeping positions, weโ€™re settling for bad posture and finding it harder and harder to correct.

Additionally, seemingly simple tasks โ€“ like lifting or carrying โ€“ can produce significant damage to a back that has been weakened by years of prolonged sitting.

Weโ€™ve evolved from hunter-gatherers who simply kept an upright, moving posture all day, and changing that to a sedentary, weak lifestyle!

As Job Orton outlined, ditching your chair and regular office desk for a stand up desk (at its correct height) means youโ€™ll have no choice but to stand up straight, strengthening your back muscles that have previously been static.

Sitting all day in an office chair presents the not-so-perfect opportunity for us to twist and hunch our bodies into awkward positions, often to relieve back or lower leg pain. This relief is only temporary, though, and itโ€™s causing more havoc on our bodies than we may even realise.

Adjustable standing desks can change the way you work!height adjustable sit stand desk

An adjustable standing desk gives us the freedom to alternate between sitting and standing throughout our days, and thatโ€™s the clincher here: you should never force yourself to stand all day; instead, at the push of the button, switch it up as many times as you need to during the day.

Keep up with the series and join us for part two in a fortnight: standing, sit stand, and height adjustable: whatโ€™s the difference?

(PS: There are many other health risks associated with sedentary sitting, and weโ€™ll address them in greater detail in part three โ€“ stay tuned!)

If you would like anymore information on Ergomotionโ€™s range of adjustable standing desks, contact us today โ€“ fill out our form or give us a call!

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Guy Director
Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Ergomotion Director since 2005.

Google Reviews

Ergomotion

Google Reviews

Fran Prem 29/05/25

Google
So happy with my new sit/stand desk. The price was very competitive and the quality is excellent. It's very unusual these days to have the level of human to human customer service Guy offered, from the time of ordering all the way to installation. Guy delivered my desk on time, put it together, set up my computer and tidied away the cables. Such a nice person, and a wonderful experience. Would highly recommend.

Pree P 28/03/25

Google
My brother in lawโ€™s glowing recommendation of the ergomotion sit- stand desk that he has been using for a few years now, and specially the service that Guy delivers, piqued my interest. And now I am convert!

From the moment I first interacted with Guy to the day my standing desk arrived, Iโ€™ve been nothing short of impressed. The booking process was incredibly smooth and hassle-free - Guy made everything so simple and straightforward. His customer service was top-notch, with clear communication and genuine helpfulness made the overall process even more amazing. I appreciate how patiently he answered my questions and explained the care instructions for the wooden top.

For the product itself! The standing desk is a game-changer - the attention to detail, premium material used, beautiful design, smooth adjustment all transformed my home office. The craftsmanship is top-notch. What really sets this experience apart is how much I genuinely enjoy using the desk every single day. Would highly recommend!! Thank you ๐Ÿ™

Wesley Dao 12/02/25

Google
Bought a standing desk after looking around at options. Solid wood and Linak frame so all around good quality. Assembly was simple with an electric screwdriver. Guy was very helpful and responsive.

Amanda O 28/01/25

Google
Bought a standing desk and I love it. Quality product at a great price. Amazing service from Guy, who helped explain the desk and accessories for efficient workspace setup. I highly recommend.

Rick Bruce 02/11/24

Google
After doing some due diligence and research into actuators I settled on this unit from ergomotion this unit is so solid and the operation is quite and flawless. The purchasing process and the shipping was absolutely fantastic!! I couldnโ€™t be happier with the product and the entire process, I would highly recommend this companyโ€ฆ. Rick Bruce

Shelley Jensen 07/09/24

Google
Guy (the owner) delivered the desk and set it up quickly. He then gave me a lesson on how to use it and how to get the most out of it. Arrived on time and was absolutely lovely to deal with throughout the whole process. Highly recommend.

clifford sneider 06/09/24

Google
Guy was fantastic and the desk is amazing

Jo Manning 08/08/24

Google
I bought an adjustable desk from Guy a couple of years ago, got great service and good price. Recently we had a tiny issue which could not be fixed over the phone. Guy was more than happy to come out and look at it 2 days later. All fixed! I really appreciated his patience with me and accommodating us so quickly. Great old fashioned service and piece of mind. I love it. I know where to get my second desk when needed. Thank you Guy. Jo Manning

Deborah Hunt 25/07/24

Google
ergomotion were fantastic to deal with. excellent customer service and a great product.

Andrew Pieterse 14/06/24

Google
Great service and really quick shipping. It is great to know that you are getting quality parts from a Scandinavian manufacturer with your standing desk purchase rather than the cheap knock off stuff you get from other major brands. Reasonably priced for the quality too!
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