Standing Desk vs Sitting Desk: Pros and Cons

With more and more office workers jumping on the standing desk bandwagon, sitting desks are almost becoming "extinct". Sitting desk protagonists are also claiming that standing desks or sit-stand desks are overrated with no proven benefits- after all, we humans have lived a sedentary lifestyle since ancient days, and society has not been erased. So, are standing desks really worth it, or are they just another overhyped fad that will fade away with time?

Standing desks and sitting desks are two workstation options that can have drastically different effects on your health. While increased productivity has been reported with standing desk usage, there's also the downside of a sore back or pins-and-needles in your feet from prolonged periods being upright. Sitting seems more comfortable at first glance, but you may find yourself worse off than before if you don't change up positions periodically throughout the day to ensure proper blood circulation. Here's a close look at the benefits and downsides of standing desks and sitting desks. 

Standing Desk Explained 

A standing desk also referred to as a sit-stand desk or a stand-up desk is a desk that allows you to stand comfortably while working. Standing desks come in various styles, designs and may be specialized to suit different tasks such as writing, architectural drafting, drawing, etc.

Some standing desks are only used while standing, while others are height adjustable allowing users to seamlessly transit between sitting and standing by adjusting the desk height using a hand crank, electric motor, or a counterbalance system. 

Modern standing desks feature a motor (single or dual-motor), allowing users to adjust the height and alternate between standing and sitting via the press of a button. What's more, these standing desks feature height memory so that you don't have to be constantly adjusting the desk to your preferred height when switching between sitting and standing and vice versa. 

Benefits and Downsides of Standing Desks 

Standing desks have been growing in popularity over time as many proprietors and business owners alike report higher productivity levels among their employees when using such workstations (which isn't too surprising). While standing desks have plenty of benefits- some scientifically proven, they also come with several drawbacks. In fact, excessive standing has been linked to health conditions such as lower back problems, musculoskeletal disorders, varicose veins, and increased chances of developing heart disease and cardiovascular disorders. Below are the pros and cons of standing desks. 

Pros of Standing Desks 

The main benefit of a standing desk is that it allows you to alleviate the effects of prolonged sitting. By creating a balance between standing and sitting, standing desks significantly contribute to your overall well-being and productivity. Height-adjustable standing desks offer plenty of benefits thanks to their versatility in the sense that you can adjust the height to suit you, whether standing or sitting. As such, you can seamlessly alternate between sitting and standing in your otherwise sedentary job. Some other benefits of a standing desk include: 

• Standing desks enhance focus and reduce fatigue. Alternating between sitting and standing enables individuals to be more alert, active and with improved productivity. 
• Standing desks enable you to maintain the correct posture by encouraging you to stay upright when standing. When sitting, it's pretty common to slouch or lean forward on your desk. With time, these activities lead you to attain a poor posture, which comes with significant health implications.
• Standing desks have been found to boost productivity and enhance cognitive functions. 

• Standing enables you to overcome the health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle since standing enables the body to burn more calories than sitting. Research shows that an adult burns an 

  extra 0.15 calories per minute

   while standing as opposed to being seated. 

• Standing enables your body to stretch out the core, glutes, and leg muscles and enhance blood flow. As such, it reduces back, neck and shoulders pains associated with excessive sitting.  

Cons of Standing Desks 

One of the major downsides of standing desks is that it takes some time to adjust and get used to standing. It may feel uncomfortable or dramatic to alternate between standing and sitting in the course of your workday. Excessive standing also leads to several health conditions, including increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disorders, and lower back problems. 

Some of the major cons of using a standing desk include: 

• Improper use of a standing desk can be counterproductive plus have an enormous effect on your health, leading to swelling, fatigue, back pain, etc.  
• Using a laptop or monitor placed at an incorrect height on a standing desk can lead to significant eye strain. 
• It may be pretty challenging to multitask while standing. For example, you won't be able to comfortably look at a paper, use your phone, and type at the same time.
• At first, you may find the entire concept of standing while working alien, and it may take time to get used to the new routine.
• Standing while working requires a great deal of concentration considering that you'll be visible to everyone in the office- you can easily be distracted. 
• Suppose you don’t stand upright or don’t pay attention to proper ergonomics while using a standing desk. In that case, you can easily intensify bad posture leading to posture-related problems such as locking knees and weaker abdominal muscles. 

Sitting Desks 

Working at a desk may not be the most exciting profession, but it's something that everyone from an executive to someone who works in retail does on their day-to-day. Sitting desks are more of this traditional workstation with no adjustable height and usually have you sitting down while working, unlike standing desks which can allow for some movement during your shift! 

So what is so great about these stationary stations? Well, they're good if you want to comfortably take care of your office-related tasks like writing up reports or making plans instead of active duties. But there are also drawbacks such as lower productivity levels due to having less natural movements throughout the day. Being seated also makes people feel tired quicker than when they stand. 

Pros and Cons of Sitting Desks 

Pros of Sitting Desks

Not everyone can be productive or have the ability to focus on their tasks while working when standing. Most people are used to sitting when working and therefore prefer sitting at desks- it feels more familiar. Sitting desks are also ideal for individuals considered to be overweight or obese. These individuals find it extremely difficult to work while standing, and it puts a considerable strain on their bodies. 

Also, unlike standing desks, sitting desks are more affordable and easily accessible in different designs. Standing desks are still a new concept, and it may be pretty difficult to find replacement parts and accessories. Sitting desks come in various shapes, designs, and colors to suit your specific style or need. 

Sitting desks are also ideal for disabled individuals or persons suffering from health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and circulatory problems. Overall, it's important to note that not everybody can comfortably stand while working, meaning that sitting desks are well suited for a wider audience.

Cons of Sitting Desks 

The biggest drawback with using sitting desks is that they take an all-or-nothing approach towards standing. To put this in context, you cannot stand while working on a sitting desk-it's impossible. With the significant benefits now associated with standing at work, sitting desks are potentially viewed as unhealthy office furniture.