Hey there! If you‘re reading this, I imagine you spend multiple hours each day planted in front of a computer like I do. And while we may love what we do, our bodies often pay the price being stuck in static positions unwillingly.
As an ergonomics specialist and researcher, I‘ve become pretty obsessed with finding ways to counteract "sitting disease" while maintaining productivity. And I‘m thrilled to report my discoveries on how incredibly versatile modern standing desks can benefit us on multiple fronts when used right.
Intrigued to learn more? Read on as I walk you through:
- A quick history lesson behind standing up to work
- 6 science-backed health and productivity advantages
- How to pick an adjustable desk tailored to your needs/budget
- Reviews of my top electric and manual recommendations
Let‘s get started!
A Brief Herstory of Standing Desks
You might be surprised to know that …..
Many prolific historical figures from Da Vinci to Jefferson were actually early adopters of upright workstations. But it‘s only within the last decade that we‘ve really woken up to just how detrimental prolonged sitting is.
Now studies clearly link sedentary lifestyles with:
- 112% higher risk of diabetes
- 147% greater chance of cardiovascular events
- 90% increased likelihood of dying from heart attacks
Yikes! With stats like those, the standing desk revolution makes perfect sense.
While old-school standing desks were simply tall static lecterns, modern options now allow smooth transitions between customizable heights and positions. This gives us the work-health balance we sorely need.
I don‘t know about you, but I‘m sold! Now let‘s look at 6 specific benefits to standing more before workshopping how to pick the right adjustable desk upgrade for your space.
6 Benefits of Using a Height Adjustable Standing Desk
1. Relief from Back and Neck Pain
If you‘re someone plagued by…..
Table: Standing vs Sitting at Work
| Activity | Calories Burned Per Hour |
|-|-|
| Sitting | 80 |
| Standing | 88 |
| Walking Slowly | 140|As you can see, standing clearly expends more energy as compared to seated static positions. And this is just baseline numbers excluding fidgeting or foot tapping which can bump up calories burned further!
2. Lower Risk of Obesity and Other Health Issues
Studies have found that excessive sitting….
3. Increased Energy, Focus and Daily Motivation
Ever have one of those lethargic days where….
4. Encourages Movement and Collaboration
Unlike traditional desks that isolate you….
5. Ability to Sit or Stand – Best of Both Worlds
The great thing about modern adjustable options…
6. Compatible With Treadmills and Exercise Equipment
Some standing desks are specifically designed…
Key Factors to Consider For Your Adjustable Standing Desk
Okay, now that you know the many benefits, let‘s…..
I recommend keeping the following aspects in mind while shopping:
Available Surface Area & Weight Capacity
Make sure your shortlisted standing desks can physically accommodate your workspace needs and computer equipment load. Compare horizontal dimensions and weight limits to your existing setup.
Control Mechanism
Electric motor-powered vs manual crank-powered lifting mechanisms each have unique pros and cons related to noise levels, speed, physical exertion required, and potential reliability/maintenance needs long term. Assess available options on both fronts.
Special Integrated Features
Bonus inclusions like integrated storage drawers, keyboard trays, anti-fatigue floor mats, treadmills, monitor mounts and other niche offerings may sway your preference if a priority.
| Standing Desk Model | Size Options | Height Range | Control Mechanism | Weight Limit | Special Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarvis Bamboo | 4 sizes | 25.5"-51.1" | Electric | 350 lbs | None | $499+ |
| Uplift Eco | 5 sizes | 25.3”-51.1” | Electric | 355 lbs | Ergonomic contour | $549+ |
| FlexiSpot EN1 | 48 x 30 inches | 28”-47.6” | Electric | 187 lbs | 4 storage drawers | $249+ |
Price and Expected Durability
Balance your budget considerations with expected longevity projections as per brand reputation and protective warranty coverage offered on purchased components. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better value if it translates to reduced stability, lift capacity decline or other functional issues in 6-12 months of moderate use without viable recourse.
Reviews From Verified Buyers
Research firsthand impressions from actual customers who’ve purchased and assembled the standing desks you’re evaluating to gauge ease of setup, stability, movement smoothness and real-world value delivered. Video reviews showing the desks in action are particularly useful at this vetting stage.
My Top 3 Picks For Best Standing Desk in 2023
Okay, let‘s look at my current top recommendations based on wants/needs:
For those wanting the best premium electric experience overall:
1. Vari Electric Standing Desk
For those wanting reliable electric functionality on a budget:
2. FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Standing Desk
For a manual crank-adjusted desk to save costs:
3. VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk
And there are obviously many other great options out there I encourage you to check out using the key buying factors above!
Conclusion: Why Making This Investment Is So Worth It
As you can now appreciate, counteracting the negative impacts of excessive sitting time should undoubtedly be a top priority for digital professionals.
Quality height adjustable standing desks empower us to get the work-health balance we deserve amid increasingly sedentary lifestyles, instead of waiting idly for chronic issues to emerge.
While cheaper mass manufactured options exist in abundance, they often compromise on stability, mechanical dependability and longevity durability by utilizing lower grade materials without requisite engineering rigor during design.
So spending just a little more upfront with reputed premium brands guarantees sturdy precision-crafted furniture built to last 5+ years of intensive daily use hassle-free.
Considering the sheer number of daylight hours invested putting important work in at your desk daily, doesn’t it deserve to be a personally tailored fit that proactively avoids any ergonomic issues over long periods?
Ultimately regular doctor visits for escalating back/neck discomfort treatments are inconvenient and add up financially. Whereas investing wisely once in an adjustable standing desk cuts off issues at the root for a lifetime of peaked energy and work productivity ahead. The choice seems clear which approach makes more logical sense!
Excited to pick out your perfect standing desk upgrade now? Have any other questions I might be able to answer? Let me know in the comments!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many hours should you stand at a standing desk in one stretch?
Q: Can using standing desks cause different muscle pains long term?
Q: What‘s the best way to lift heavier desktop computers onto stand up desks safely solo?
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