Besides poor health, sitting also causes cankles! When you sit, blood is unable to effectively pump from the legs back to the heart, creating high pressure in the veins in the lower legs and feet. This pressure may leak into tissues and cause inflammation. Extended sitting can cause the problem to escalate, with hardened skin, leg ulcers and brown stains on the lower extremities. What’s worse, the decreased circulation in the legs can raise the risk of blood clots.

Raised blood sugar is another negative health effects of sitting too long. Insulin resistance is a step before type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps regulate glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream, and the muscles in turn store the sugar. When the muscles aren’t moving, they become less skilful at absorbing glucose from the bloodstream and actually become insulin-resistant.

This resistance can happen after just one day of prolonged sitting, according to a study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. But making small, consistent movements like sitting and standing throughout the day can help lessen the risk.

You may not be aware, but immobility has the potential to cause constipation—yikes! As you sit, the body has fewer contractions that push along the contents of the gut, which causes the bowel to become dry. Low impact exercise is a sure cure for lowering this risk, like taking the stairs or walking around the block during lunch.

A sedentary lifestyle also causes heartburn. Not moving after lunch causes the stomach to empty slower and produce more acid to aid in digestion. The acidity leads to a burning sensation in your chest and mouth, so don’t forget to stand and move after a meal.

Migraines and decreased cognitive function are other negative effects of prolonged sitting. Hunching at your desk causes the neck to strain backwards as you stare at the computer screen. This in turn affects the nerves in the neck, which can result in a severe headache. Moving muscles encourage good blood flow throughout the body and to the brain. So if you’re moving regularly, you’re getting enough blood and oxygen to the brain, to boost overall brain function.

This last fact is surprising, but a sedentary lifestyle causes joint and muscle pain. Prolonged sitting leads to obesity and a large body mass creates pressure on the joints, and weak muscles from lack of use. Some studies claim that muscle weakness leads to osteoarthritis in the knees, since the knee wasn’t meant to be bent in a sitting angle all day.

See the full article, here.

The post The Daily Mail’s Negative Health Effects of Sitting appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

It’s High-Tech
This isn’t your average standup desk. A state-of-the-art lift system is all controlled by an advanced microprocessor. The controller has a digital LED display with three programmable memory settings so you can customize your standing and sitting heights. The Xdesk uses a chain drive system with dual (or quad – depending on the model) 18 volt DC motors that seamlessly transition. And it’s all completely hidden inside the lift columns, so you’ll never see an exposed gear, motor or wire.

It Has Options
Our standup desks feature choices that fit multiple users. The main thing to remember about the Xdesk is its drive to encourage clean lines, perfect ergonomics, and practically zero clutter. The available options fit those criteria. A Vanity Cover hides all computer cables and wires, while a Power Management System protects your precious equipment. The NextSpace Keyboard Platforms helps you find the best ergonomic position for your wrists and arms, and the Ergonomic Monitor Arms allow you to freely adjust your computer screen(s).

It Benefits the Planet
These standup desks never use laminates or MDF in their materials. Instead, Xdesk has chosen to use only sustainable materials like natural bamboo and recycled aluminum. The desk never has solvent-based paints or additives that can harm you and the environment. And it’s made right here in the U.S.

You’ll Be More Productive
While you stand, you can move from side to side, fidget, and bend your knees. Movement is a powerful thing, not only for health but also for concentration. Studies show that the ability to move freely actually leads to better focus. Focus ultimately leads to productivity—and that’s something we can all understand. What’s more, you’ll discover a totally new energy boost in the afternoon, when most workers are tired and hunched over their computers.

You Need the Right Footwear
Leave the uncomfortable dress shoes or heels at the door, and switch to something that’s more comfortable (but not necessarily less attractive). Standing long hours can be hard on your joints and back, so you’ll need the proper support to fully reap the benefits of our stand up desk.

You Don’t Have to Stand All Day
A shocking point, but it’s true! You don’t have to stand all day behind your Xdesk. Instead, Xdesk gives you the flexibility to sit and stand as you please. Stand for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or sit for 45. However you choose to move throughout the day, Xdesk gives you the freedom to do it. And with more than 200 positions, chances are you’re going to find the right height for you.

The post Facts You Need to Know About Using A Standup Desk appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

To re-inspire your drive to stand most of the day, here’s a list of the top 10 sitting and standing facts. After reading through these, you may find yourself adjusting your desk and standing more often.

1. One in three Americans is obese, and obese people sit more than 2.5 hours per day than thin people.

2. The bodies calorie burning ability drops to 1 per minute and electrical activity in the leg muscles shut off the moment you sit down.

3. Men and women who sit for more than 23 hours a week are 64% more likely to die from heart disease.

4. Thirty minutes to an hour of daily exercise is not enough to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

5. Good cholesterol drops by 20% after just two hours of sitting down.

6. A study published by the CDC found that sit to stand devices are an effective method to generate health benefits and combat the negative effects of sitting all day.

7. Standing the majority of the day has been said to increase concentration, focus and overall productivity at the office.

8. A study from the University of Chester found that standing during the week can be the equivalent to running 10 marathons a year.

9. Standing for most of the day has the potential to burn 30,000 more calories in a year. That’s about eight pounds of fat.

10. Regular, brisk walking can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The facts continue to go on from here, and we’re sure there will be more to come. So keep standing, moving and stretching throughout your workday to start experiencing better health that you deserve!

The post Top 10 Sitting and Standing Facts appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

You know that sitting all day is bad for your health, but it’s not a crime to sit down and give your legs a rest every once in a while (gasp!). So why not change the way you sit, for better posture and better focus? A kneeling chair could be the answer.

The kneeling chair has become a popular alternative to the traditional desk chair. When you’re ready to take a break from your standing desk (and hopefully you’re making small sit to stand adjustments throughout the day, for the best outcome possible), try using a kneeling chair. But what is this new wave office chair and how does it help improve sitting?

If you’re the typical office worker, you most likely use a chair that lacks the proper tools for the best comfort and back support. The basic kneeling chair rips away the back completely, and puts the user in the – as you may have guessed – kneeling position. Now there’s no room for slouching or straining your lower back muscles. Other models have a small backrest for lumbar support (the most important element to sitting)

The kneeling position has been slightly modified in these desk chairs, with your body set at a 110 degree angle. This is slightly larger than a 90 degree or less angle in traditional office chairs. This angle is ideal for sitting in an open, relaxed posture. And it supports the natural curvature of the spine.

In a kneeling chair, the hips slide forward and align with the back, neck and shoulders, to help evenly distribute your weight and reduce spinal compression. This means less stress on the lower back as well as the leg muscles.

As a fair warning, the first time you try a kneeling chair it may not be the most comfortable position, since your body isn’t used kneeling for an extended period of time. Just like sitting to standing with an adjustable height desk, slowly work your way to using this nontraditional desk chair. If you stand behind an adjustable desk most of the time but need a break once in a while, use the kneeling chair in 30 minute increments.

When you’re ready to sit, adjust your Xdesk to a lower position according to your kneeling height and you’re good to go. But don’t get too comfortable!

Like all chairs, there are pitfalls to using it for an extended period of time. It can confine the user to one position, which leads to cramps and unnecessary pressure on the knees and shins. And some users can experience poor circulation in the legs if they sit in the chair too long.

But oddly enough, this reason makes them a great desk chair to have around an adjustable height desk, since it allows you to sit in moderation and encourages you to stand and stretch once those shins start to ache.

What do you think about the kneeling chair? Is this something you would own in your office?

The post The Kneeling Chair: The Nontraditional Desk Chair appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

But with all the negative talk about sitting, people forget that standing all day isn’t ideal either. Too much standing can cause varicose veins, swollen feet and joint damage. For this reason, it’s not about picking sides between sitting and standing. It’s about finding a balance between the two.

Adjustable height desks like Xdesk combat this problem by encouraging more movement in the workplace between different positions. So when you’re ready to sit down and think, you have the freedom to do so with the touch of a button.

But before you take a seat, there is a right and wrong way to sit at a standing desk.

Of course, the most important thing to consider when you sit at a standing desk is posture. Improper posture can cause a horde of problems, including back, neck and knee pain. For the moments when you do sit at an adjustable height desk, invest in an office chair with lumbar support.

Your spine curves naturally, and your office chair should support the natural bone structure accordingly. Proper lumbar support when you sit at a standing desk will greatly reduce the risk of back and shoulder pain later on.

When you sit at a standing desk, sit close to the keyboard. Even better, if you have an adjustable keyboard tray, position it so it’s directly in front of your body, but low enough so your shoulders and elbows are in an open, relaxed position. Your wrists and hands should be straight and not curved up or down. A wrist wrest on your adjustable height desk will keep your hands in a natural position and provide added support.

Place your hips at the back of the chair while you sit at a standing desk, and adjust the height so your feet are able to rest flat on the floor. The knees should be slightly lower than your hips, to help you sit up tall. An angle between 100 and 110 Degrees is recommended for your back.

The monitor at your adjustable height desk should be centered directly in front of you, so you don’t have to strain or stress your neck. The neck should be in a relaxed position. When you are sitting at a standing desk, sit at least an arm’s length away from the screen. If you suffer from eyestrain, check out how to avoid it during the workday, HERE.

Don’t stay in your seat too long, remember, it’s all about balance! So if you start to feel sluggish or begin to slouch, stand up and stand tall. If you own an adjustable height desk, how have you made the transition from sitting to standing most of the day?

The post How to Sit at a Standing Desk appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

But is it healthy?

The lunch break has slowly become a thing of the past, with two thirds of office workers eating behind their desks, or choosing to eat standing up. But deciding to eat standing up behind a desk can decrease productivity. It’s important to take a break midway through your workday and check out of the office.

Doctor Chris Cunningham, a professor of Industrial Organizational and Occupational Health Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has an interesting view on the effects of choosing to eat while standing up, or skipping lunch altogether.

Reboot Brain Function
“Taking a lunch break away from the desk lets people separate themselves from the source of that drain,” Dr. Cunningham said. “And that offers the opportunity to build back some of those resources in the middle of the day – rather than just at the end when work is over.”

So with that, step back from the standing desk and don’t eat standing up, even if it’s for a moment. Dr. Cunningham reports that rebooting time is specific to each person. You may need a full hour, while your coworker needs 20 minutes. If you can’t manage to leave, don’t choose to eat standing up. This could force you to scarf down meals and ingest more calories.

Since you’re at an adjustable height desk, all you need to do is press a button to lower your desk, minimize the 30 open windows on your screen, and take a breather.

Rediscover Your Natural Habitat
Instead of opting to eat standing up in the break room, talk a walk, go outside and get some fresh air. With the beautiful fall weather in full force, enjoying a meal outdoors will make you feel refreshed. We know that sitting is bad for your health, but choosing to eat standing up isn’t doing your body any favors.

If you can’t take a walk, thankfully adjustable height desks have the flexibility to move from sitting to standing. This isn’t advocating the choice to eat standing up, but at least switch the position of your desk for a few moments to take a break, or walk down to the water cooler and grab a drink.

Partake in the Buddy System
“If you’re a service rep or a call-center employee, I could understand why you wouldn’t want to take a social lunch,” Dr. Cunningham said. “But for some of us, it’s different enough from what we’ve been spending our days doing, and we get a lot out of it.”

On slow days, grab a few coworkers and head to lunch. The only catch – don’t talk about work. Friendly conversation is surprisingly refreshing. If you can’t leave, don’t take a loophole and eat standing up around the conference table. That defeats the purpose! Instead of deciding to eat while standing up, head to the break room with friends for a quick meal.

Other suggestions instead of choosing to eat and stand include enjoying your meal and switching up your space. Take time to appreciate your surroundings, and that includes reexamining the leftovers from last night.

It’s also recommended to switch up your focus to reenergize. This could be something small like changing from sitting to standing, or taking a quick stroll around the office.

We love standing desks, but what we love even more is the flexibility that an adjustable height desk gives you. Switching positions gives the boost you need to keep going throughout the workday. But, don’t forget to take a well-deserved lunch break and don’t choose to eat standing up. Your mind and body will thank you.

The post Should You Eat Standing Up Behind an Adjustable Height Desk? appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

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.

Check it out below to learn a bit more about how sitting all day on the job impacts your physical and mental health. To start, people with sedentary jobs are twice as likely to die from heart disease than those with active jobs (yikes!).

You may want to stand up after reading this:

The post MindBodyGreen Agrees that Sitting is Making You Fat appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

For those of you who did to take the quiz, if you read on you’ll learn the explanation behind the correct answer, and why you should keep standing behind your adjustable height desk. Click the link in the question to discover the location of the correct answer.

Answer explanations to the adjustable height desk quiz:

1. Which famous writer was known to stand while working, or use a makeshift standing desk?

The great Ernest Hemingway was known for frequently using a standing desk, and was often photographed standing behind one – waiting to create his next masterpiece. He was famously quoted as saying, “Writing and travel broaden your ass if not your mind, and I like to write standing up.” To learn about other writers who made the standing desk famous, click here.

2. Your body burns ___ calorie(s) per minute while sitting down.

One calorie. Yes, that’s correct. Your body burns just one calorie per minute when you’re sitting down – less than chewing a piece of gum. Studies show that your fat burning ability shuts down the minute you take a seat, and if you’ve been sitting all day, you may want to change positions right now.

3. Which review of Xdesk said, “We tested all the major standing desks and the best full-sized standing desk is Terra by Xdesk.”

Xdesk was more than flattered when The Wirecutter named the Terra model the best adjustable height desk on the market. This question was a bit tricky, but could be found in two places: The review page, or the Xdesk blog. We also had to take a moment to boast about an outstanding review.

4. True or False: Xdesk uses pressed wood and solvent-based paints for their desktops.

False! Xdesk takes pride in the fact that they use only the best quality, natural materials. Most desks use pressed wood, laminate and even formaldehyde in their desks. Furthermore, solvent-based paints used in product finishes contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs that can cause watery eyes, asthma and sneezing. Thankfully, Xdesk only uses natural bamboo and recycled aluminum in their standing desks.

5. How many positions does the Xdesk accommodate?

Not only does the Xdesk accommodate 267 positions, but you can set the LED digital display to the perfect position for your height. It also has convex and concave buttons, so you won’t have to stop staring at your computer screen to change positions (unless your eyes need a break).

6. What’s the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust that’s used in every Xdesk?

In case you haven’t noticed, Xdesk is a big fan of aluminum. Not only is it the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, but recycled aluminum is of equal quality as new aluminum. Xdesk chose to use recycled aluminum for its strength, beauty, and it consumes 95 percent less energy than producing new aluminum. And in the end that means fewer production emissions that harm the environment.

7. True or False: Spending 1-2 hours at the gym per day doesn’t offset the damage done by sitting.

It’s unsettling, but it’s true. Even if you go to the gym before or after work, that cardio workout isn’t doing much good if you’re sitting around all day. Researchers recommend moving as often as possible to preserve health, ideally five to 19 percent of your day.

8. Sitting too much can cause which disease?

Even more unsettling, all of the answers were true. Studies that analyzed obesity, heart disease and diabetes showed that sitting down can cause metabolic syndrome – something more than 47 million adults already have. So start standing to reduce the risk of disease.

9. The Xdesk Terra Pro has a ___ conservative rated lift capacity.

The Xdesk Terra Pro is similar to the Terra, but on steroids. Four 18 volt DC motors and a wider footprint allow for an increased weight capacity of up to 630lbs. That’s a large amount of lift for such a sleek looking desk – but the Terra Pro does it in style.

10. True or False: The Xdesk moves at a volume of 100 db during transition.

False. We’re not saying the Xdesk is perfect, but it’s pretty close to it. Its state-of-the-art microprocessor-controlled lift system is seamless, and moves your desk from the sit to stand positions in a matter of seconds. And even better, it’s ultra-quiet. As in 60 decibels during transition quiet – that’s lower than a telephone dial.

And there you have it – the Standing Desk Quiz explained. If you didn’t get every single answer correct, don’t worry. The Xdesk blog and website is here to guide you through all of your ergonomic workstation needs.

The post Answers to Wednesday’s Standing Desk Quiz appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

Or do you?

To test your knowledge of standing desks and adjustable height desks, take the following quiz to see how you measure up. Maybe you’re a standing desk connoisseur, or an adjustable height desk master. You won’t know until after this quiz.

We promise you won’t break into a nervous sweat (unless you’re already on a treadmill desk), and here’s a hint: All of the answers can be found within the Xdesk site. Happy hunting!

How did you do? Let us know in the comment box below! If you already own an adjustable height desk, or are heavily considering one, we hope you got all 10 correct. If not, don’t fret, stick around the Xdesk blog and you’ll be a standing desk master in no time.

Stay tuned for the answer explanations in the next post!

The post Test Your Knowledge of Standing Desks With this Quiz appeared first on Xdesk Blog.