What is a Standing Desk? Its Uses and Benefits
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What is a Standing Desk? Its Uses and Benefits

|Jun 29, 2020
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Sitting for too many hours each day tends to ruin our posture and can lead to some serious health issues, greatly hinder your work productivity, and reduce your lifespan. Many office workers who develop diabetes, heart disease, and even die at an early age, commonly sit for way too long each day. They are also much less productive when it comes to their efficiency and work performance. 

You may be asking yourself, “Why use a standing desk?” Using this category of work desk will negate the harmful impact of excessive sitting, boost your focus whilst working from home, and help you achieve your career goals with more comfort and ease. There are many health benefits of standing such as lowered blood sugar levels and increased energy to name a few. To ensure both your physical and mental wellbeing, it is recommended that you split your working time 50/50 between sitting and standing. We understand that this is much easier said than done, especially when our work requires us to stare at our screens for most of the day.

The best way you can achieve this 50/50 sit-stand quota is by purchasing a standing desk that is perfectly suited to your specific needs. So, what type of standing desk is best for you? The ideal standing desk should provide height adjustability so that you can change the height of your workspace when required and alternate between standing and sitting at regular intervals.

Which standing desk on the market is ideal for you and your colleagues? This can be a challenging question to answer, as there are so many standing desk options available today. But it’s crucial to determine the answer in order to maintain your health during working hours. Ultimately, if you need to work from home, which most of us are currently doing these days, you need the right standing desk.

Many traditional offices provide quality standings desks, which is why some people actually prefer to work at the office. Totally understandable. However, due to the emergence of advanced technologies and global pandemics such as COVID-19, the majority of people have been forced to work from home, which in itself comes with many benefits and disadvantages. The flexibility of remote work and the lack of unnecessary office restrictions can make working from home a great and convenient option. Only if you purchase the ideal desk for you. Let’s face it. You probably have a less than ideal home office setup that makes working from home a bit of a pain at times.

What is a Standing Desk?

Quite simply, a standing desk is a desk that allows you to work while comfortably standing up. The category of the desk is designed to improve your overall work performance and ensure that you can achieve your daily work goals without experiencing any nagging physical strain that tends to rear its ugly head during long working hours. There are many different styles and variations of standing desks, and there are some manufacturers that can design bespoke creations that are suitable for the most specific needs. For example, you can find standing desks specially designed for architectural drafting, web developers, graphic design, digital content production, or making and receiving calls.

Some standing desks can only be utilized in one fixed standing position, and others can be adjusted accordingly to be able to sit or stand as per your requirements. Desks that can allow you to move between sitting and standing usually have an electric motor, counterbalance, or hand crank system that provides you with the ability to adjust your desk height. The height of most standing desks ranges from 70 cm to 128 cm, so it’s fairly easy to choose one to fit your preferred standing height.

Compared to your more standard work desk, the flexibility to change things up as you please sounds like an ergonomic dream right? No longer are we stuck with one fixed sitting position, where we can only change the level of our work surface by constantly adjusting the height of our office chair. Unlike the fixed position of traditional seated desks, standing desks are custom designed with adjustable parts to support correct posture and your physical wellbeing. Making working life all the easier.

What is a Standing Desk?

Which Standing Desk is Best Suited to Me?

An adjustable standing desk is an effective way to conquer work slumps and increase focus whilst working from your home office. And is the perfect solution for those who can’t afford to pull their eyes away from work. With so many sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes on offer, it can be a little confusing to have any idea of which desk to invest in. Thankfully, Autonomous offers a diverse yet concise range of sturdy standing desks to suit a variety of spaces and work from home needs. 

If you’re stuck with an awkward corner of the room, or if you work with multiple displays and loads of tasty tech on the daily, the SmartDesk 2 L-Shaped is an absolute Godsend. The ultimate work hub is powered by a robust triple motor system and can support and smoothly lift up to 330lbs of equipment in virtual silence. The tabletop comes in two interchangeable pieces, so you can mix and match the long and short sides to fit your corner best.

SmartDesk 2 L-Shaped

SmartDesk 2 L-Shaped

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon591 reviews

DimensionsFull: 77”L x 64”W x 1”H
Large Top: 77”L x 29”W x 1”H
Small Top: 29”L x 35”W x 1”H
Shipping Dimensions84"L x 35"W x 5"H x 95 lbs
ColorsWhite, Black, Walnut
MaterialWarp-proof MDF wood
 
Motor typeTriple
Lifting speed2.3”/sec
Lifting capacity400 lbs
Noise level50 dB
Height range (without top)28.4" - 47"
Height range (with top)29.4" - 48"
Length range42” - 71”
Frame foot width27.5"
MaterialSPCC steel
ColorsWhite/ Black
Outlet voltage110-240V
Anti - collisionYes
Shipping DimensionsBox 1: 54"L x 12"W x 8"H x 51 lbs
Box 2: 35"L x 21"W x 9"H x 55 lbs
 
ProsCons
The L-shaped design offers extensive room for monitors, laptops, and other work essentials.Larger size and weight may complicate the assembly process.
Triple motor system with a 400 lbs lifting capacity ensures strong, reliable operation.
 
Operates at a low noise level of 50 dB, keeping your workspace serene.
Easily switch the desk’s orientation to fit any workspace layout.
SPCC steel frame with BIFMA certification provides long-lasting stability.
Designed for quick assembly in just 15-30 minutes.
Premium finish from White, Black, or Walnut, with warp-proof MDF wood tops.

Or perhaps the best selling SmartDesk 2 is the ideal simple solution for you to maintain and improve your productive flow when working from your home. Available in two frames.

SmartDesk 2

SmartDesk 2

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon3335 reviews

TopClassic Top
Dimensions53"L x 29"W x 1"H
Shipping dimensions56"L x 33"W x 3"H x 47 lbs
ColorsWhite, Black, Walnut, White Oak, Bamboo
MaterialWarp-proof MDF wood
Natural Bamboo
 
Motor typeDualDual
Lifting speed1.1”/sec2.3”/sec
Lifting capacity250 lbs310 lbs
Noise level45 dB40 dB
Height range (without top)27.2" - 46.5"25.2" - 51"
Height range (with top)28.3" - 47.5"26.2" - 52"
Length range39.8'' - 59''40" - 73"
Frame foot width23.6''27.5"
MaterialSPCC steelSPCC steel
ColorsWhite, BlackWhite, Black, Grey
Outlet voltage110-240V110-240V
Anti - collisionYesYes
Shipping dimensions39"L x 11"W x 9"H x 51 lbs43"L x 13"W x 10"H x 70 lbs
 
ProsCons
Offers Standard (2-stage) and Max (3-stage) frames to suit different needs.Standard model's height range may not suit very tall or short users.
Height range from 25.2" to 51" with memory settings.Limited surface size (53"x29").
Supports up to 310 lbs, ideal for heavy setups.Assembly might be more complex and time-consuming
Quiet operation at 40-45 dB.
 
Made with sustainable FSC-certified materials.
Sturdy build: SPCC steel, ANSI/BIFMA certified.
Anti-collision technology for safety.
Quick assembly: 10-20 minutes.
Warranty: 10 years on the frame, 1 year on the top.
 

All SmartDesks from Autonomous provides more than enough ample tabletop space to set up your dream work station. A spacious desktop gives you the physical and mental room to breathe so you can stay focused and productive whenever you need it. SmartDesks come equipped with a sturdy metal leg frame powered by a dual-motor system that can easily support up to 300 lbs of whatever tasty tech and accessories your personal work setup may require.

Every SmartDesk comes with four programmable presets allowing you to adjust the height of the table on the fly. With just the touch of a button, you can move your entire work hub from your ideal seated position to standing. Stay flexible and fluid, and keep active throughout the day with a dynamic range of physical movement. Whatever your job may require, there is an adjustable standing desk out there to match your needs.

How Do I Best Utilize a Standing Desk in My Home ffice?

To fully use your standing desk effectively in the home office and reap maximum ergonomic benefits, make sure that you know exactly what to do and what to avoid.

1. Adjust until you receive full back support

An adjustable standing desk is a fantastic way to get you up out of your office chair, get that circulation flowing, your joints active, and promote overall back health. When you do need to sit, adjust your chair until it fully supports your lower back.

If you have an adjustable ergonomic chair, change the height and position of your seat cushion and backrest until you find a suitable posture that feels just right. Position yourself so that your knees are in line with your hips and you’ll fast notice how breathing becomes so much more natural.

Adjust until you receive full back support

2. Plant those feet firmly on the ground

When both of your feet are firmly planted flat on the floor beneath you, your back, in turn, experiences little to no strain. If you cross your legs, you’re more likely to suffer from hip problems and experience a reduction in blood circulation in the legs and feet. When standing at your standing desk, try your best to keep your weight evenly distributed between both legs.

Leaning to one side or standing on one leg can cause stress to the spine and hip joints, creating an imbalanced posture, which defeats the whole purpose of your ergonomic investment. Some people find the act of standing a little strenuous on the ankles and shins. To alleviate the pressure and strain standing may cause, it might be a good idea to look into adding a Flow Board or Anti Fatigue Mat to keep things comfortable and help you stand for long periods throughout the day.

3. Look straight ahead

Whether you’re seating or standing, place your computer display a little lower than your eye level to reduce the strain on your shoulders and neck. This optimal screen level also helps to reduce the risk of eye strain. If you follow these simple tips for standing desk, you’ll be well on your way to start reaping its benefits for your home office.

Look straight ahead

What Are the Benefits of Using a Standing Desk at Work?

There are many benefits of standing at work. Some of the main ones are:

1. Reduces the risk of obesity and weight gain

Studies have shown that standing for one entire afternoon has the potential to burn more than 170 calories. That translates to over 1,000 extra calories burned each week before even factoring the contribution of exercise and other activities. When you stand, you’re much more likely to mitigate weight gain and obesity with less struggle.

2. Lowers blood sugar levels

High blood sugar levels are harmful to your health. Fortunately, a recent survey involving 10 participants revealed that standing for just 3 hours after lunch intake reduces blood sugar by 43%. Further research links excessive sedentary time to a scary 112% increased risk of developing certain types of diabetes.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Standing Desk at Work?

3. Lowers the risk of heart disease

Too much sitting increases the risk of heart disease. Studies indicate that those who stand all day long drastically half the chance of heart-related death. Excessive sitting increases the risk by a whopping 147%.

4. Dramatically reduces back and neck pain

Many office workers complain of back and neck pain. If you properly use a standing desk, you can effectively reduce the pain by 54% within just four weeks.

Dramatically reduces back and neck pain

In a nutshell

We hope this has given you enough insight as to what a standing desk is and why it’s a great idea to invest in one. For you, your loved ones, and colleagues. From the many benefits of a standing desk listed above, we hope you can now appreciate the importance of investing in one.

The ideal standing desk will help you maintain a healthy work lifestyle of sitting less and standing more, which has direct benefits to your health and career. So rise up and elevate your work performance, physical health, and mental soundness. There’s an adjustable standing desk perfectly suited to your needs. Good luck!

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