Scientists have established a definitive link between excessive sitting and heart disease, premature death, obesity, and poorer quality of life. When we’re expected to dedicate over 40 hours a week to sitting, though, there’s an obvious tension between bodily needs and corporate requirements. If you’re working from home, you might want to consider investing in a standing desk: a desk that has the option to raise to your standing height so you can stand, walk, stretch, or dance while girl-bossing.
In the wake of pandemic-fueled conversations about work-life balance and corporate culture more generally, the standing desk exploded in popularity. The discourse around corporate expectations, like sitting down for eight hours a day, became fraught with legitimate health concerns. When people began working from home--and with that, had the freedom to stand, walk around, take restful breaks, and move their bodies--they realized that sitting down for extended periods of time was zapping their energy and motivation. Combined with countless studies warning against sedentary lifestyles, the dangers of sitting for too long, and the obesity epidemic, employees started becoming wary of their working conditions. Cue…the standing desk! They’re designed so that the flat-top desk portion rises to your height while standing; it’s meant to facilitate a healthier, more physical workday. As a plus, standing desks are adjustable, so they can be used as normal “sitting desks” and as desks that rise to your comfortable standing height.
The biggest concern about standing desks is their cost, which can range from $80 to $800+. Ideally, you’ll only purchase a desk that’s reasonably within budget, given how often you’ll want to use it, how large you want it to be, and whether or not you prioritize aesthetics over functionality.
An odd, but notable addendum: you don’t burn extra calories when standing versus sitting (~88 vs. 80), so a standing desk isn’t optimal for weight loss goals. If you want to reach your step goals and/or be more physically active during the workday, you might want to consider a walking pad or under-desk treadmill in addition to the standing desk.
We’ve searched for reviews from people that have invested in and actively use a standing desk. Here are some of the main points that they have mentioned:
The ability to switch positions. You can move around, tap your feet, stretch, and even perform some yoga moves while clicking away at your keyboard and maneuvering Excel sheets. Users emphasized the joy and satisfaction they received via regular movement during the workday.
Increased motivation. Movement sparks motivation while decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety. One study found that people that used a standing desk reported greater feelings of task engagement compared to those that were exclusively sitting.
Increased creativity. With an increase in circulation, you might find that your creativity is more active while you’re standing. With decreased sensations of anxiety, better blood flow, and increased local attention, you’re bound to feel more creatively inclined.
Control over the workday. Besides the more physical benefits of standing desks--increased circulation, the ability to stretch, etc.--there is also a more implicit sense of agency when you use a standing desk. With the expectations associated with the work day, like sitting in a cubicle, compromising your posture, and being tethered to your screens, a standing desk provided a less restrictive atmosphere in which users dictated the movement of their work day.
UPLIFT Standing Desk: The UPLIFT is likely the most popular standing desk on the market. It is well-loved for its dedication to quality, customizable features, tech-friendly accessories, and 15-year warranty. Customers rave about the durability of the product, its relative ease of assembly, and its capability to be tailored to different office space needs. It's the most cost-effective option in our recommendations.
Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk: The Jarvis is slightly more expensive relative to the UPLIFT. It’s a simpler design, aesthetic-wise, but it’s just as durable. Jarvis is known for their parts-replacement policy: they have all of their desk parts for sale, so if you need to repair the desk, you don’t need to purchase an entirely new one. This Jarvis can hold up to about 350 pounds of weight, making it well-suited for most home office set-ups.
DeskHaus Apex Pro: Desk Haus is the most expensive option we’re covering. It can hold up to 600 pounds of weight--it can certainly accommodate any home office set-up--and is loved for its stability. Users report that the desk doesn’t wobble, even at significant heights. Even at its most basic, Desk Haus includes several accessories with each Apex Pro, including areas for outlets (called grommets) and programmable bluetooth switches.
Even if you’re not ready to invest in a fancy standing desk, we urge you to start small! There are several cost-effective options on the market for people that want to dabble in standing. To stand or not to stand…that’s our question for you!
