You might be hearing more and more about standing desks at work, on the internet, and beyond. All this hype might make you wonder: are you missing out on something that would be a great addition to your office? There is no need for FOMO! Here we will talk about what are standing desks anyways, why you may want one, their pros and cons, some standing desks, accessories suggestions, and more.

Table of Contents

• What is a Standing Desk and How Does It Work?
• Why You May Want a Standing Desk
• Pros and Cons of a Standing Desk
• Top 3 Standing Desks
• Top 3 Best Accessories for Your Standing Desk
• FAQ

• Final Thoughts on Standing Desks

What is a Standing Desk and How Does It Work?

Standing desks. Stand-up desks. Height-adjustable desks. Sit-stand desks. There are many different ways people call standing desks, so you may have heard the term being thrown around more than ever. However, all standing desks still do the same job: they adjust from your sitting level to your standing level. 

Standing desks don’t have to be just desks that electronically or manually adjust to your height. There are also plenty of options for adjusters that can fit on your desk and can be easily moved to the height you want, essentially transforming your normal work desk into a standing desk. 

What kind of standing desk (or adjuster) you purchase can depend on a variety of working factors. Some move electrically at the touch of a button. Others you crank like an old car window to your set level.

There are even some that remember your height preferences. 

Why You May Want a Standing Desk

There are plenty of reasons why you may want a standing desk beyond the rationale that you're tired of sitting all day long. Here are some other reasons to consider: 

• Standing can lower your chance of weight gain and obesity as it involves more proactive burning of calories than just sitting
• There is a chance that standing can help lower blood sugar levels – especially after lunch 
• Standing might be helpful in lowering the risk for heart disease
• If your back gives you pain problems, standing may minimize lower back, upper back, and even neck pain
• Standing appears to help boost your mood and energy levels, which is great for anyone with depression or other mental health challenges 
• You don’t run into issues with sitting and trying to type in the right position, so you may be more productive

• Standing can help improve not only these daily problems, but may also contribute to living longer

Pros and Cons of a Standing Desk

Standing may seem like it can solve all of your problems, but it is not an be-all end-all way to a healthier life. However, standing – and standing desks – can still make an impact. Here are some pros and cons of standing desks that will get you thinking about if a standing desk is best for you:

Pros

• Burn extra calories: Standing up is more proactive than sitting down all day. By getting up and moving your limbs around – even in place – you can burn some calories.
• Keep moving during the day when you might not normally be: Embrace working on two feet, especially if you hate the feeling of being stiff at the desk. By getting up and putting those legs to work, you will move way more. 
• Retain more energy throughout the day: Get invigorated throughout the day by getting up on your feet. Whether you stand all day or switch between sitting and standing, a new position will give you a new energy. 
• Work on your core strength: While sitting allows you to slouch over your desk, standing puts your muscles to use. Use a standing desk to focus on strengthening that core strength. 
• Help with overall physical and mental health: By burning those extra calories, moving around, and transitioning between sitting and standing, you’ll feel better mentally and physically in no time. 

Cons

• Can be tiring: If you are not used to standing up all day long, it might tire you out some. That’s totally okay as you’ll build your stamina over time. 
• Can be stressful on joints: Putting pressure on your joints in a normal reaction from standing. However, if you are used to sitting throughout the day it might take a little time to build the muscles around your joints.

• May make you go through your shoes quicker: Just like walking, standing on your feet will wear your shoes’ soles. Make sure you invest in a comfortable pair with support. 

Top 3 Standing Desks

Now that you know the ins and outs of standing desks and converters, here are some that we recommend:

1. Electric Standing Desk Frame with 47 x 24 Tabletop by TechOrbits: This standing desk by TechOrbits features an electronic system so you can raise and lower your tabletop quickly. It also has a digital control panel that can memorize four different heights and a quiet motor. 
2. Electric Corner Desk Frame L Shaped 3 Leg Sit Stand Desk by TechOrbits: Standing desks don’t just have to be a normal-sized desk. Instead check out this L-shaped desk. Like the electronic tabletop above, this L-shaped desk has a quiet motor and digital control panel but also triple motors for quick adjusting. 
3. 37-inch Standing Desk Converter by TechOrbits: If you are looking for a converter that will fit your desk instead of going out and purchasing a whole new desk, this Standing Desk Converter by TechOrbits can be what you are looking for. This manual-adjusting converter has space for your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It also has a space to upright your phone or tablet and comes in 32-inches if you are looking for something smaller. 

Top 3 Best Accessories for Your Standing Desk

Now that you have found your perfect standing desk or converter, here are some helpful accessories that can help keep you on your feet: 

1. Shiatsu Foot Massager by Cloud Massage: If you’re looking for a way to counter some of the cons of standing desks, the Shiatsu Foot Massager by Cloud Massage is a great option. This foot massager can relieve any pressure or soreness on your feet or ankles from standing all day. 
2. Percussion Massage Gun by VYBE: If you’re feeling any sort of soreness in the muscles around your joints, the Percussion Massage Gun by VYBE is great for targeted relief of these areas, further reducing the cons of standing desks! 
3. The Oasis Mat by SkyMat: If you are looking for a solid, go-to mat for standing, look no further than The Oasis Mat by SkyMat. This mat features a soft-foam core to take the pressure off your feet and joints. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors like black, red, and navy. 

FAQ

What are some tips for using a standing desk?

• To get the most out of your standing desk, it is recommended that you switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can help you get the most out of your desk without getting exhausted from standing all day – especially if you are new to using a standing desk.
• If you adjust from sitting to standing, don’t forget to adjust your monitor tilt and keyboard and mouse position. 
• Reach for some of those helpful accessories above so you can focus more on the work in front of you. 
• Take breaks and don’t get frustrated with yourself if you get tired and need to sit. 

How long should you stand at a standing desk?

• You should try to spend 1 hour standing for every 1-2 hours sitting. However, do what you feel is best for you (and if that’s less, that’s totally okay).

Final Thoughts on Standing Desks

Standing desks can really help get you going when you’re ready to quit for the day. With an extra boost – and some helpful accessories – you’ll be able to give everything you want to your job, hobby, and beyond. 

Contributing Writer: Marena Galluccio