Standing desks have been around since the 1400s, but became especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Charles Dickens are among the many influential historical figures that have used a standing desk. However, many choose to stick with the more widely used office chair. Let’s compare standing desks to ergonomic chairs and see if there is a better option among the two.
First, let’s take a look at the health benefits of standing vs. sitting. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, standing burns just slightly more calories than sitting, about 0.15 calories more per minute. That little difference can add up and translate to losing 5.5 extra pounds a year. So, while a standing desk doesn’t do much for weight loss, or preventing weight gain, remember, a body in motion stays in motion. Using a standing desk could motivate you to do more activities that require movement and standing and could lead you to feeling healthier and more energetic overall. Another study shows that standing may lower your chances of dying from heart complications. The study concluded that older adults that sat for an average of about three hours a day were 33% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than people who sat for an average of about seven hours a day.
Standing can also have some negative effects. For example, if your body is used to sitting every day for a full work day then you switch to standing at a standing desk without getting your body used to it, you could develop leg cramping or swelling, back and neck pain or stiffness, or foot pain. It can even affect your cognitive state, since the prolonged standing would make your body feel more fatigued and uncomfortable, therefore impacting your reaction time
and mental state. Standing for long periods of time could put unnecessary strain on your body, especially if you are working at a standing desk every day. The good thing to remember, though, is that a high stool could be bought and used periodically to give your back, legs and feet a rest. If you are using a standing desk, you must also be aware that the way you stand is important. Standing up straight with the correct posture could improve back pain and soreness, but slouching at a standing desk can be just as bad for your back and posture as slouching in an office chair.
Now, let’s take a look at ergonomic chairs. One of the biggest benefits is that, if used correctly, comfortable office chairs could help prevent or stop back pain and improve posture. However, sitting incorrectly in even the best ergonomic chair you can find could lead to poor posture and back pain. That’s why it is always important to use your choice of office furniture correctly to avoid any problems that could be easily prevented. When using an ergonomic chair, you’ll be able to have spine support, keep all your joints in a neutral position, alleviate neck and shoulder stiffness, and give your arms a place to rest! Ergonomic chairs can also be adjusted to your body and needs. For example, by changing certain aspects such as the seat height, armrests, back recline, and seat base, you can stay comfortable and focused. When choosing a chair for work, you may want to test it for a full day, if possible, before deciding. No one wants to get stuck with an uncomfortable office chair! Getting an uncomfortable chair could be detrimental and could cause even more back and neck pain. If you need multiple office chairs, then you can take advantage of wholesale office furniture offers which provide discounts for bulk purchases.
Standing vs. Sitting, the comparison we’ve all been waiting for. Aside from the health benefits of either, a standing desk can be a great alternative for someone who is naturally inclined to stay moving. With a standing desk, you may even find yourself with more room in the space where you work, which can be the deciding factor for some. That could mean more space for organizational
cabinets or drawers to keep your office space looking neat and tidy, or room for a little break time nap! In all seriousness, though, both standing desks and ergonomic chairs have their own sets of pros and cons, that really depend on the user’s preference and needs. However, the facts show that standing desks reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, which is a huge plus, considering that standing desks don’t have many unpreventable side effects with use over long periods of time. If you choose a standing desk the best option would be to buy a tall stool to sit on to rest your body periodically, especially if you’re used to sitting and are transitioning into using a standing desk. Don’t forget the wholesale office desk offers if you need multiple desks.
An author of DigitalGpoint, We have published more articles focused on blogging, business, lifestyle, digital marketing, social media, web design & development, e-commerce, finance, health, SEO, travel.
For any types of queries, contact us on digitalgpoint.webmail@gmail.com.