8 Things to Know Before Switching to a Stand Up Desk

Switching from a traditional workstation to a stand up desk can feel overwhelming due to the significant amount of time we spend using office furniture. If you've never tried a standing desk and are seeking a more ergonomic solution for your health needs, you might be considering this change. However, switching to a standing desk can be a costly investment, making it a decision that requires careful consideration. Although standing desks offer numerous benefits, it is crucial for each person to conduct thorough research and determine the best option for their needs.

Our experts at EffyDesk specialize in high-quality ergonomic standing desks. If you're contemplating the switch to a standing desk, here are the top 8 things you should know before making your final decision.

Once you have set up your standing desk, you may feel tempted to spend most of your day in an upright position. However, this is not necessarily the best way to use a standing desk. To achieve optimal results and fully benefit from the ergonomic design, taking breaks and sitting periodically throughout the day is essential. This allows your legs to rest and prevents excessive strain. Moreover, if you've been accustomed to working at a regular desk for a long time, your body will need an adjustment period to adapt to the new setup. Therefore, we recommend starting slowly and avoiding overdoing it by standing for just a few minutes per hour on average.

To ensure that a stand up desk effectively serves as an ergonomic solution, it should provide a variety of customizable features that cater to individual height, comfort, and other relevant factors. At EffyDesk, we prioritize these requirements in all our stand up desks and ergonomic office chairs. Our products offer adjustable features that promote optimal positioning for the wrists, elbows, neck, and back. Additionally, our standing desks can be programmed to remember preferred height settings, eliminating the need for constant tabletop adjustments. Customizing your ergonomic furniture to meet your specific needs is crucial for reaping benefits such as improved posture, energy levels, and musculoskeletal health.

An often neglected advantage of standing desks is the flexibility they offer to incorporate exercises directly at your workstation. EffyDesk's standing desks are specifically designed to support weights of up to 410 lbs, making them ideal for performing simple movements like tricep dips, push-ups, and more. Adding a desk workout to your workday is an excellent way to enhance blood circulation and prevent stiffness. By getting your body in motion, you can enhance your standing desk experience, improving focus, and promoting the release of mood-boosting endorphins, among other benefits.

While standing for extended periods generally encourages better posture compared to sitting, it's essential to be mindful of certain habits that can undermine this benefit over time. Rolling the shoulders forward, overextending the neck to view the monitor, or leaning onto the tabletop are common pitfalls that can compromise posture. It ultimately falls upon the user to maximize the benefits of their ergonomic office furniture by using it correctly. Maintaining an upright posture with the upper and lower arms resting at a 90-degree angle on the desk and keeping the shoulders pulled back is an excellent way to protect the body, prevent chronic pain, and avoid potential health issues.

When switching to a stand up desk, it's important to consider foot support for comfortable and prolonged standing. Without proper support, it can be challenging to remain upright for long periods of time. To address this, you can invest in a standing desk accessory like our ergonomic anti-fatigue standing mat, which provides soft cushioning for your feet. This accessory makes a significant difference as it encourages you to move your lower body periodically, relieving excessive pressure on your feet and calves. Additionally, wearing comfortable shoes with good arch support is another way to enhance foot support while using a standing desk. These shoes help maintain the natural curvature of your feet and provide added comfort during prolonged standing sessions.

When we're engrossed in our work, it's common to unconsciously strain our necks by overextending them to view computer screens and other desktop devices more clearly. This habit can result in pain and potential spinal problems if not addressed promptly. The key to preventing neck strain is to position your computer monitor ergonomically. At EffyDesk, our monitor mounts offer an ideal solution, enabling you to maintain a healthy and comfortable neck position without sacrificing productivity. By using our monitor mounts, you can prioritize your well-being while ensuring optimal work performance.

Simply standing at your desk, even without performing exercises, burns more energy compared to sitting. As a result, our bodies require additional fluids to stay properly hydrated. To fully enjoy the health benefits of standing desks without experiencing exhaustion, we suggest keeping a water bottle within reach. This is particularly crucial if you choose to combine your standing desk with exercise equipment such as our under-desk treadmill. By staying hydrated, you can make the most of your standing desk experience and maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

Stand up desks are renowned for their ergonomic advantages thanks to their meticulous design and engineering. However, it is important to acknowledge that even with a standing desk, a significant portion of our time is still spent seated. To create a comprehensive ergonomic workstation, we highly recommend complementing your standing desk with an ergonomic office chair that provides ample support for your body in both sitting and standing positions. We offer a diverse selection of ergonomic office furniture tailored to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that your office setup is complete and optimized for your well-being.

We guarantee that switching to a standing desk is one of the best decisions you will ever make for your health and well-being. Explore our selection of top-rated products today.