Working at a desk for long periods of time, in the same exact position, is what causes repetitive strain and overuse injury. It doesn’t matter if I’m sitting or standing.
But in my opinion, sitting can be worse than standing. Prolonged sitting significantly affected my posture.
That’s why I switch working positions multiple times a day (between standing versus sitting). I use a special type of desk that is height-adjustable. This has helped me promote good posture, while still being productive.
I’m dedicating this post to talk about the differences between a standing desk and sitting.
Standing Desk vs Sitting Desk: Which is Better for Posture?
In my opinion, the answer isn’t black and white.
I prefer to work in (both) sitting and standing positions. I switch positions every time I come back to my desk from a break.
We don’t need to buy (standalone) standing desks anymore. A height-adjustable desk works for both sitting and standing. And they are very affordable these days (not paid promotion). So anytime I talk about height-adjustable desks, I’m also talking about standing desks. And vice versa.
The standing desk I use goes up and down, quickly and easily. I just have to hold one lever while I adjust its height.
Using a standing desk has provided multiple health benefits for me. The most important for me is improved blood circulation. Which is very important for someone who is used to living a sedentary lifestyle.
What Happens When You Sit at a Desk All Day
Sitting at a desk all day is an endurance event. Some of my muscles may be deactivated all day. But the rest of my muscles are chronically overused. They’re constantly activated until a point of exhaustion. Then, those overused muscles pull on tendons, bones, and other muscles. This causes them to be dysfunctional.
What Is A Standing Desk
To me, a standing desk is something I can put my laptop on. Its height can be adjusted so that my desk level is slightly below my elbow level when I’m standing. That’s the way I know how high should a standing desk be.
How Do Standing Desks Work
It adjusts up or down according to how tall the user is.
A standing desk can be raised up and down. Because not all users are going to require the same height standing desk. Its height can be adjusted either manually (by activating a lever) or electronically (by pushing a button).
It can be used with a treadmill desk.
I always talk about working in multiple positions throughout the day. For the over achievers out there, a great way to use a standing desk is on top of a treadmill (also known as a treadmill desk).
What Are The Benefits Of A Standing Desk
It activates muscles that would be deactivated while sitting.
This is one of my favorite health benefits of a standing desk. Because I sat at a computer for 13 years straight. I eventually started off slow when it came to standing at my desk. 1 hour the first day. Eventually increase that to 2 hours a day. These days, my goal is to split my time up 50/50 between sit vs stand. That is what’s most comfortable for me.
Improves blood flow throughout the body
When I maintain that light activation in my legs while I stand, it helps blood to flow better, compared to if I was sitting 8 hours a day with poor posture.
Are Standing Desks Worth It
In my opinion, standing desks are definitely worth it. They’re a great way to improve posture at computer. But I don’t want to stand 8 hours a day. Because that would just cause different repetitive strain injuries (compared to sitting).
If standing desks aren’t for you, I get it. Check out my article on how to improve posture while sitting at computer.
Which position we work in isn’t necessarily the problem when it comes to computer pain. It’s how long we work in that exact same position.
❓ What’s your opinion on the question, “Are standing desks worth it?” ❓
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I’d appreciate it!
If you like this article, my Computer Posture Newsletter should be very helpful for you. (it’s free)
Especially if you’re an athlete who sits at a computer for a living.
I write about easy, actionable ways to:
- Improve posture
- Decrease computer pain
- Increase work productivity
- Increase energy
- Improve mental clarity
- Decrease muscle tension
- Improve joint function
- Speed up muscle recovery
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Thanks for your interest in computer posture.
Todd Bowen – Computer Posture Correction and Pain-Free Ergonomics: For Office Workers Who Want to Increase Work Productivity