A new study found that standing for just a few hours a day has amazing health benefits, and you’ll burn a ton of calories along the way.

Researchers at the University of Chester and the BBC took a group of 10 volunteers and asked them to stand at least three hours out of their day. The volunteers wore an accelerometer that measured their movements, heart rate monitors and glucose monitors.

The results were shocking at best (or maybe not that surprising if you already own an adjustable height desk or even a treadmill desk).

The volunteer’s had a much higher heart rate while they stood. It was about 10 beats per minute faster, so think about this in the long-term. That 10 beat increase adds up to 50 more calories burned per hour when compared to sitting. Throughout the entire year: about 30,000 more calories or eight pounds of fat.

The results also showed that the volunteers’ blood glucose levels normalized much quicker after eating than compared to days when they sat. High glucose means an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, but standing for a few hours really does make a difference in lessening that risk.

According to Dr. Buckley from the study, “If you want to put [the results] into activity levels then that would be the equivalent of running about 10 marathons a year just by standing up three or four hours in your day at work.”

And there you have it: standing is good for your health, so much so that standing burns calories similar to running 10 marathons a year. Yes, we’ll emphasize that again – 10 marathons a year!

This isn’t the only study done to prove that standing benefits your health. In case you missed it, check out the study from ReadWrite, the technology blog. The participants reported increased concentration levels and better productivity at work. Standing desks really are the gifts that keep on giving!

And thanks to Lifehacker for sharing the great news!

What do you think about the results, does it make you want to stand more often during the day?

The post University of Chester Study: Standing Burns Serious Calories appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

They named the benefits of using a standing desk, what to look for when investing in one and how they came to the conclusion that Terra was the best. But one claim stood out beyond the others:

Terra desks are beautiful.

Wirecutter said other desks were practical, but beyond that they provided little else.  Some were made from quality materials, but the overall appeal paled in comparison to Terra.

“Last year I recommended this as the best desk to daydream about,” Wirecutter said. “And even though it costs more, it is actually a great value.”

And there you have it – quality,  beauty and value all in one. We were flattered that Terra was dreamed about.

Workers generally spend a great amount of time at their desks, which is why the appeal factor stood out the most. It’s important to maintain pleasant aesthetics in a work space, and you see businesses all over creating a homier environment for their employees.

The “work hard, play hard” mentality is spreading, and employees are reaping the benefits if the work space feels more enjoyable.

If workers are more comfortable, it leads to greater satisfaction when a job is done, increased interaction to form a stronger team, and workers want to be there. And at the end of the day, that’s better for business.

We appreciate Wirecutter’s praise and thorough research they took to come to their conclusion of naming the Terra desk the best standing desk out there.

What do you love about the Terra desk?

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But believe it or not, some unlucky souls are not privy to the benefits of standing or moving while working and remain seated throughout their days.

Luckily, though, the media is doing its part in spreading the word about ergonomic workstations like standing desks, adjustable height desks, and treadmill desks.

The latest to cover the benefits of walking while working? NPR’s Talk of the Nation.

In a recent episode of Talk of the Nation, NPR host Neal Conan interviewed the writer Susan Orlean. As a writer, Orlean has struggled for years with the infamous “sitting syndrome.” That is, she has been forced to sit down all day while working—until recently.

Orlean switched to a treadmill desk, and in the interview speaks candidly with Neal Conan about her experience. She even comments about how much more energy she has after a day at the treadmill desk, compared to a traditional seated desk.

After the interview with Orlean, the host goes on to answer listener questions and hear feedback. As calls come in, it is clear that Orlean isn’t the only one with a positive experience from using a treadmill desk.

Here are five things that you can look forward to in switching to a treadmill desk, like the Xdesk Fit:

1)   With a treadmill desk you can lose weight. It is predicted that by introducing just three more hours of walking a day, you can lose up to 50-70 pounds in a year, without restrictive dieting.

2)   You can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and lower cholesterol. These diseases are often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. By increasing your movement and the amount of time you spend walking, you can help combat these all-too-common killers.

3)   Use a walking desk to help prevent other types of diseases. By walking, not only are you burning fat to lose weight and prevent heart and insulin problems, but you’re stimulating your body’s lymphatic and immune systems to ward off other diseases.

4)   With a treadmill desk you can feel more alert and energetic. By walking, you’re increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain and other vital parts of your body. In this way, these desks make you healthier and more alert and energetic at work and even after.

5)   With a treadmill desk you can relieve back and leg pain. After a long day of sitting or standing in one spot, your back and legs might very well be protesting. Painfully!

With a walking desk, though, you can stay in motion and keep your muscles stretching and moving. This way, lactic acid won’t build up from staying still—you’ll feel more limber and comfortable than you’d imagine possible at the end of a workday.

And if that’s not incentive enough, click here to check out the full NPR interview.

What do you think about treadmill desks? What do you think about the interview on NPR’s Talk of the Nation? Comment below and share your thoughts!

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