Standing desks have skyrocketed in popularity lately. Believers cite increased productivity, higher energy levels, less back pain, and other benefits as concrete proof that making the switch from sitting to standing is the best thing office workers can do for their health.
Before making the switch, it’s important that you understand the risks, too. You’ll likely have a long adjustment period before standing around all day feels normal and comfortable, and there are some health risks associated with being on your feet for eight or more hours each day.
Despite some stories that liken sitting to the next health apocalypse, there isn’t actually much scientific evidence that stand-up desks improve overall health. People who use and love them could care less about the science behind standing, though. The proof is in how they feel:
Disadvantages to Using a Standing Desk
Truthfully, the stand-up desk trend does have its downfalls. Many people that have made the switch love it, but there are some disadvantages to be aware of:
Okay, I want a standing desk. What are my options?
In the past, the main way to snag a stand-up desk was to DIY it and hope that your carpentry skills were up to par. That’s certainly still an option, but there are a variety of companies that manufacture standing desks these days. LifeHacker’s roundup of standing desks is a fairly comprehensive look at the most popular options out there right now. You’re bound to find one that works with your current setup.
If you aren’t quite ready to make the move to a standing desk, at least make sure that you’re staying active throughout the workday. Finagling a stand-up desk at your current office might be a bit tricky, but anyone can squeeze bursts of activity into their day.