If you’re reading this during the workday, there is a good chance you’re working at a standing desk. If not, you might be wishing you were, especially if you’re working from home! One of the fastest growing workplace and home office solutions are standing desks and for a good reason! 

Is Sitting Bad For Your Health?

Unfortunately, the short answer is yes; sitting can negatively affect your health. Many studies have shown that prolonged sitting is linked to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. The good news is that standing desks can get your on your feet and help you stay healthy!

Benefits of Standing Desks

Many of us have likely heard the claims that “sitting is the new smoking,” and there is truth to that statement. Most of the United States has accepted that smoking is bad for your health, and we are on our way to fully understanding how bad sitting is as well. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of making the switch to a standing desk. 

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The post-lunch slump is something many of us experience on a daily basis. That could be because your blood sugar levels increase after eating a meal, and then they dip. The more your blood sugar spikes after a meal, the more detrimental it can be for your health, especially if you have type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. In a study of 23 office workers, it was determined that alternating between sitting and standing every half hour throughout the day caused a decrease in blood sugar spikes by an average of 11%. In another study involving ten participants of office workers ages 21-61, standing for 180 minutes after eating lunch caused a reduction in blood sugar spike by 43%. 

Decrease Risk of Obesity and Weight Gain

Can we actually burn more calories while at work? Using a standing desk rather than sitting all day could be the answer (and a great form of multitasking)! Exercise is the most effective way to decrease your risk of weight gain and obesity, but since it isn’t realistic to do cardio at the office, choosing to stand instead of sit is the next best thing. Compared to sitting, standing even just for the afternoon portion of your workday can burn over 170 more calories. When you total that up throughout an entire work week, standing the second half of the workday can burn almost 1,000 extra calories per week!

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Back in 1953 was the first time the idea was proposed that standing was better than sitting for heart health. This 1958 study on the correlation of physical activity and heart disease compared bus conductors who stood all day versus those who were in the driver’s seat for the same amount of time. The conclusion was that those who stood had about half the risk of heart disease than those who sat. Many more studies have been completed since then, and we have a deeper understanding of the negative effects sitting can have on heart health. In fact, prolonged time being sedentary is known to increase the risk of heart disease by up to 147%! 

Boost Productivity, Energy, and Mood

Though it may take some getting used to, using a standing desk could actually make you more productive, increase your energy levels, and elevate your mood. Some people assume it may be more challenging to get work done while standing, but studies show that it is uncommon for daily tasks, like typing, to be hindered at all. A 7-week study found that participants using standing desks were less fatigued and less stressed than those who sat throughout the workday. Almost 90% of those at the standing desks experienced increased energy levels as well. 

Find Out If A Standing Desk Is Right For Your Office

At Marathon Building Environments, we are ready to find the right standing desk solution for your office! Our Solutioneers hold degrees like interior design and architectural studies, making them qualified to assist you in merging functionality and aesthetics to create a practical and efficient office space. If you are interested in replacing your current desk with a standing desk setup, contact us today!

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