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The Cons of Standing Desks

16 April 2021

For all of the conveniences built into our modern lifestyle, getting in the regular exercise dose that the body needs to operate at its best can be challenging.

Workplace layout has evolved in recent years by improving environments that promote mobility. Breakrooms were moved to the other side of the building, open stairwells between floors were installed, and standing workstations have been used to facilitate wellness.

Indeed you've seen the eye-catching headlines plugging the powers of a standing desk. Since several studies have shown that sitting is disastrous for your health and can lead to various illnesses and health issues, you may want to consider working from a standing desk. The standing desk has been the subject of much controversy. Various studies and articles on the subject contradict one another, leading to many misunderstandings about these types of workspaces' advantages. While a standing desk will never be able to substitute physical activity and exercise during the day, it can also help us sit less and stay focused on our tasks.

When using a standing desk, challenges may include difficulty in using a keyboard and mouse at first because it takes some getting used to and eyestrain if your monitor is not at a comfortable height, primarily if you use a laptop. If your job necessitates a lot of focus, standing might not be the best option. You may believe that working while standing is a novel concept or just a fad. Likely, you don't want to spend as much money on a standing desk as you think you should. Based on some reports, standing desks have no impact on productivity. Long-term studies on the effect of sit-stand desks in the workplace are insufficient.

Anything done in excess is bad, and this involves sitting and standing. Standing for extended periods is often detrimental to your health. If you ignore proper ergonomics, standing, like sitting, will aggravate lousy posture. You can get more tired if you are constantly standing. It may be difficult for you to stand for long if you have health or mobility issues. Som negative impacts of using a standing desk include:

  • Standing for an extended period can cause varicose veins, blood pooling in the legs and feet, and swollen and painful feet.
  • Standing can worsen postural issues, particularly if you already have problems with your posture.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions can be caused by standing for long periods. Your feet may become numb, and your knees may become inflamed.
  • While standing burns more calories, it is not a particularly effective weight-loss formula, especially if it is your only ‘exercise.'
  • Standing for extended periods can cause lower back pain due to disc compression. Long periods of sitting or standing can cause back pain and discomfort. Your lower back would be better balanced if you use an ergonomic chair.

What can you do?

If you already use or plan to use a standing desk, you can do several other things to decrease its disadvantages:

  • Posture: If you're sitting or standing, this is a must. If you are slouched while seated or if your upper body and head are bent towards the computer or display, you will experience muscle pressure and strain in addition to eye strain.
  • Clothing: Tight clothing can be excellent while you're standing, but when you're seated, they'll cut into you and make you uncomfortable. When transitioning to a sit-stand desk, it might be a brilliant idea to revise your work wardrobe, depending on the work you do and the office you work in.
  • Reduce foot discomfort and pain: Instead of leaving your feet hanging or even on the floor, sit in an ergonomic chair with an adjustable footrest—circulation increases when you raise your feet a little. A yoga mat or an anti-fatigue mat will help support the feet and avoid foot pain and other issues. Check out the Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mat MT1 by FlexiSpot as it's engineered for your convenience, so you'll feel fantastic and stay productive no matter where you work. With its no-skid surface, the Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mat MT1 removes the annoyances of other anti-fatigue mats by keeping sliding to a minimum no matter what surface you're standing on. The mat's beveled edges prevent it from curling over time, and the smooth surface is simple to clean with a damp cloth.
  • Lumbar support: A lumbar support pillow can aid in the reduction of back pain. You may also opt for an ergonomic chair that has lumbar support as one of its main characteristics. 
  • Seating: Seating is another significant consideration when using sit-stand workstations. Although your current office seating can suffice for specific applications, some sit-stand desks can necessitate elevated seating. 

If you are confident that you want to either sit or stand when working, it is always a good idea to switch between sitting and standing as much as possible. In any case, get some more movement in when you're working to stay safe and minimize physical and other dangers.