Sitting at a desk all day has become the norm for most American workers. We rarely stand, hunch over a computer and end up with back, neck and other pain. However, we do not know of another option. I was in this spot about a year ago. I was overweight, tired and feeling achy. I didn’t know what to do about it. I wanted to exercise more, but felt confined to my desk at work. The lack of energy that I felt made me feel like a zombie, and my back was constantly causing me a great deal of pain.
I wasn’t happy with how I looked or how I felt. I felt terrible and looked pretty bad too. I just didn’t see much of a way around this. Then, one day, my friend asked me if I had ever tried a standing desk. I said no and told her I didn’t have any clue what that was. She showed me some pictures online and I thought it looked sort of interesting.
After I had done research online, I went to my boss and asked if he would consider purchasing me a standing desk. At first, he seemed reluctant. However, he read a bit himself and found out that standing at a desk could actually improve alertness and focus. He decided to let me be the “guinea pig” and ordered me one.
I was excited to give it a try and since I started working at it, I can say without a doubt that there are a lot of great benefits. Here are the 5 things that I think are probably the best reasons to give standing desks a try.
1. Burn Calories/Lose weight
You will burn more calories by standing. Sitting all day can make you extremely lethargic and create a slew of health problems. The most likely issue that you will encounter is becoming overweight. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the single most dangerous risk factors for overall health. I definitely had this problem. After a couple of months, I noticed that I felt better and looked better in my clothes. I weighed myself and I had lost 10 lbs. All I had done was get off of my “bottom” and stand at my desk. It was the easiest weight I had ever lost.
2. Reduced Risk of Illnesses
Standing at work can reduce your risk for diabetes, heart issues and even cancer. Studies have shown that sedentary lifestyles can increase the risk for those issues. With that said, I have all 3 of those illnesses in my gene pool. My mother is diabetic and my sister has had cancer. I am willing to do anything that I can to reduce my chances. I like knowing I am not increasing my risk factors as I work each day.
3. Live Longer
Because of its many health benefits, standing can actually help you to live longer. Think about it. If sitting can cause cancer, heart disease and hormonal issues, than standing should help decrease these issues. It’s simple and logical.
4. Reduce Back Injuries
Standing helps keep you flexible and fit. It also increases circulation. Sitting at your desk compresses your back. Your back muscles relax as the chair holds your weight. A healthy back must be used and stretched. Constricting it is extremely detrimental to your spine’s health. You will stand up straighter, slump less and feel taller and more stretched out if you stand at your desk. Sitting at your desk causes kinks in muscles, decreases elasticity and decreases your metabolic rate. None of that is good for your back or any other part of your body.
5. Be More Alert
Standing helps you to expel restless energy and gives you the ability to focus more. It fights fatigue and gets your creative juices flowing. Sitting, on the other hand, makes you feel tired, achy and can make your mind spin because of excess energy.
These 5 reasons were all I needed to make the switch to a standing desk. I recommend it to anyone I know, as I was able to improve my quality of life in many aspects. I love my job, but also value my health, so this allowed me to hit two birds with one stone!
