Sitting for too long increases the risk of numerous diseases of civilization such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and significant postural damage to the musculoskeletal system. In the office, however, it is often necessary to sit at a desk for hours on end. A standing desk provides a remedy, because it allows you to work comfortably while standing.
What is a standing desk?
A standing desk, often known by the English term ”standing desk”, is a desk whose worktop is at a height that allows its user to work while standing. A standing desk, often known as a “standing desk”, is a desk whose top is at a height that allows its user to work while standing. Often, the models are height-adjustable by an electric motor or a gas spring, so that it is possible to switch between sitting and standing positions. Humans are not made for long, monotonous sitting, and such a posture can cause numerous health problems. Working while standing, on the other hand, not only automatically conditions a healthier posture, but also prevents other diseases of civilization caused by sitting.
Shapes, types and types
Standing desks come in a variety of designs, some of which can even be built yourself. The simplest form is the standing desk, which has already been used for several centuries. Its service it often fulfills as a lectern, but it is also suitable for some forms of desk work such as reading and writing. The second possible design is a predominantly rigid standing desk. This is constructed like a regular desk, but features a much higher work surface that allows you to work while standing. At a rigid standing desk, the user is forced to work while standing. Although such models must also be able to be adjusted to the individual’s height, the height adjustment requires some time and effort. The third and probably most common form of standing desk in offices is the adjustable model. In these multifunctional desks, the height of the worktop can usually be adjusted by an electric motor or a gas pressure spring with little time and effort. Thus, these desks can be used both sitting and standing.
Structure and mode of operation
The simplest form of standing desk, the standing desk has an inclined work surface that allows for comfortable reading and writing while standing. However, since nothing can be placed on the standing desk due to the sloped surface, it is less suitable for PC work. So, the standing desk is best suited as a short-term alternative for sitting at a desk. The worktop of common standing desks is straight, just like a regular desk. Thus, work utensils and electronic devices such as laptops or phones can be placed on it without any problems. In some cases, standing desks are ordinary desks with only longer legs bolted to them. However, more modern models are height-adjustable in a matter of seconds by means of an electric motor or a gas spring, allowing their user to choose between standing and sitting positions. As a rule, the height of such models can be adjusted in a range between 68 and 128 centimeters. Height-adjustable standing desks with a so-called “memory function” are particularly recommended. This function allows you to store your own optimum heights for working both standing and sitting. This allows for an even faster and less complicated change of position when working. In principle, all standing desks are height-adjustable, but not with as little time and effort as the electronically adjustable models. However, every standing desk must be able to be adjusted to the height of its user. The optimum height is achieved when the arms rest on the desk surface at an angle of about 90 degrees.
Medical and health benefits
There are numerous health benefits to using a standing desk. First, a standing desk prevents postural damage to the musculoskeletal system that can result from sitting in a monotonous position for too long.The muscle groups of the supporting apparatus, i.e. the muscles in the legs, trunk, back and shoulders, are constantly activated when standing, as they have to maintain balance. In addition, the body is significantly more upright when standing. This training also improves posture in everyday life in the long term. A standing, active posture not only creates more freedom of movement, but it also increases brain power and productivity. When standing, the brain is proven to be better focused on its tasks. While the body goes into rest mode in monotonous sitting positions, the metabolism is significantly stimulated when standing. Since the postural muscles must be constantly active, standing consumes a lot of energy. The body will already automatically want to shift weight from one leg to the other, which additionally supports circulation. Standing also improves circulation and stimulates the cardiovascular system. In the short term, this prevents swollen legs and back or neck pain in the evening. In the long term, working while standing even prevents numerous diseases of civilization such as cardiovascular problems up to and including heart attacks and strokes, diabetes, obesity, slipped discs and thrombosis. The risk of developing mental illnesses such as chronic stress or depression is also minimized by standing compared to sitting. However, standing for too long can also cause physical ailments such as back pain or knee problems. It is therefore ideal to alternate standing and sitting phases in the daily work routine. A desk that can be adjusted in height within a few seconds by means of an electric motor is ideally suited for this purpose.