Sitting for long periods of time can have negative effects on your health, including back pain, poor posture, and reduced circulation. In recent years, standing desks have become increasingly popular as a way to combat these negative effects. But did you know that standing desks can also help you burn calories? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how standing desks can help you burn calories, as well as some tips for choosing the right standing desk for your needs.
How Standing Desks Help You Burn Calories:
Standing burns more calories than sitting, as your body has to work harder to keep you upright. While the exact number of calories burned will depend on a variety of factors, including your weight, height, and activity level, standing can burn up to 50 more calories per hour than sitting. Over the course of a day, this can add up to several hundred extra calories burned.
Standing also helps to increase your metabolism, as it encourages more movement and activity throughout the day. This can help to boost your overall calorie burn, even when you are not actively exercising.
Tips for Choosing a Standing Desk:
Consider the Height
When choosing a standing desk, it’s important to consider the height. You should be able to stand comfortably with your arms at a 90-degree angle and your wrists straight. The desk should also be adjustable, so you can customize it to your individual needs.
Ergonomics
Look for a standing desk that is designed to be ergonomic, with features such as a contoured surface and a sloped keyboard tray. This can help to reduce strain on your wrists and neck, and promote good posture.
Stability
Make sure the standing desk is stable and can support the weight of your computer and other equipment. This can help to prevent accidents and ensure that your equipment remains safe and secure.
Portability
Consider the weight and portability of the standing desk, especially if you need to move it around frequently.
Extras
Look for additional features, such as a built-in monitor mount or cable management system, that can help to improve the functionality of your standing desk.
Other Ways to Increase Calorie Burn While Standing:
Move Around
Standing in one place for long periods of time can be just as bad for your health as sitting. Make sure to move around and change positions frequently throughout the day.
Incorporate Movement
Look for ways to incorporate movement into your workday, such as by using a balance board or taking short walking breaks.
Stand Up Meetings
Consider having standing meetings instead of sitting meetings. This can help to keep everyone engaged and focused, while also promoting movement and calorie burn.
Stretch
Take frequent stretching breaks throughout the day to help reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow.
Standing desks are a great way to improve your health and burn calories while working. With features such as adjustable height, ergonomic design, stability, and portability, standing desks are a versatile and functional option for those looking to increase calorie burn throughout the day. When choosing a standing desk, consider the height, ergonomics, stability, portability, and any additional features that can help to improve the functionality of your desk. By incorporating movement and stretching breaks throughout the day, you can maximize the calorie burn and health benefits of your standing desk.
