Are Standing Desks the Solution to Sedentary Life Problem?

You must have read it somewhere before; ‘sedentary lifestyle is killing us’ or ‘sitting all day is as bad as smoking’. Even reputable news outlets like the BBC have written about this issue. Even though these headlines seem a bit sensationalistic and over the top, it is a serious issue with scientific backing, so we need to do something about it.

Fortunately, people are starting to take charge and attempt to avert the problems even before they occur. Thinks like back ache or bad posture due to sitting in front of the computer all day are better to prevent than to cure once they occur. If you are having posture problems, read this article by experienced chiropractors.

What Does Sitting Do?

Sitting puts a lot of pressure on the lumbar area of the back. If you sit for an extended period of time, you risk of having that pressure extend towards the upper back. People usually alleviate this discomfort by hunching forward. This leads to bad posture and numerous other problems.

Other than back issues, too much sitting restricts blood flow which leads to frequent headaches and joint pain. Knee and hip are the most common joint to suffer, but neck and shoulders can also be affected.

How Do Standing Desks Help?

Simply by eliminating the source of the problem – constant sitting. Your standing desk makes you stand and keep your body in a natural upright position. Naturally, you do not have to stand all day, which is also inconvenient and can lead to different health complications. Our bodies are built to alternate between sitting and standing, which is what these tables provide to office workers.

What Health Benefits Can I Expect?

When you stand, your circulation improves, which helps your spinal muscles function better and not spasm or cramp. Furthermore, your posture will improve as well, reducing the upper body muscle pain significantly.

Some studies have shown that your metabolism increases as well. It is simple, actually. Sitting requires less energy than standing. So if you eat the same with a sitting desk and a standing one, your metabolism will be more productive in the latter case. This way you can prevent potential weight gain due to the sedentary lifestyle.

Some people who have standing desks report that they feel more active and productive through the day. With the increased blood flow, it is to be expected. If you are looking for a healthy way to stay focused and awake during the day, to cut down on coffee, this is a great opportunity.

Are There Drawbacks?

Naturally, standing desks aren’t perfect, or we’d have invented them much sooner. Standing puts a significant amount of strain on your knees, ankles, and legs I general; this can cause serious discomfort and pain after a prolonged period of use. Some research has shown that standing on a softer surface, like a yoga mat can help. However, there is a better solution than that.

Many chiropractors and other experts now suggest that you use convertible desks. These desks can be used as standing or sitting desks, depending on your mood. This ability to choose your office space, rather than having it imposed is extra beneficial for mental health and morale of workers.

If you’re a business owner, consider investing in these new tables, since happy and healthy workers are productive workers. On the other hand, if you’re a worker, ask your employer to get you one. Invest in your health today to prevent serious consequences further down the line.