Standing desks are great for preventing back pain, while also increasing productivity. However, standing for too long can lead to leg and foot pains. So, your best option is to grab a convertible desk that can be used while sitting or standing!

The modern working landscape demands that many of us spend countless hours sitting at our desks, day in and day out. If you’re not careful, sitting for such long periods can have both short and long-term consequences for your health. As such, many people have now taken to the idea of standing desks. Which allow you to do all of your regular work but from an upright position!

But now that there are two distinct types of desks populating modern offices and work-from-home spaces, one question prevails: which is better? Is it truly better to work from a standing desk? Or are you better off working from the tried-and-trusted sitting desk?

To help us find out, we had our Reliant tech experts put the two office staples to the test. To find out which proved the most beneficial for daily use! Eager to find out which came out on top? Then keep reading below!

What Is A Standing Desk?

First up, it would be worth clearing up what exactly a standing desk is. As the name suggests, standing desks are designed to allow you to stand as you go about your working day. These unique taller desks are designed to help counteract some of the usual issues that occur from prolonged sitting.

Research has shown that prolonged sitting, especially at a desk, can cause all manner of musculoskeletal problems. Especially if your posture is not optimal. This leads to back and neck pains that linger long after you’ve left the office.

Sitting for prolonged periods not only leads to back pain and increased health risks. It can also lead to a reduction in productivity and focus. Standing desks are designed to improve focus and reduce back pain!

Standing desks were first introduced to counteract these issues. Without sitting, there is less temptation to slouch, which will prevent back and neck pain!

But how do standing desks really compare to traditional sitting desks? Let’s compare the two a little more closely!

Standing Desk Vs Sitting Desk

Productivity

Plenty of research has shown that standing desks can actually increase productivity. The reason for this is largely linked to boosted energy and an improved mood! Being up on your feet helps to increase the blood flow across your body. In turn, this means there’s much more oxygen reaching your brain.

Oxygen is fantastic for stimulating the brain. It can improve memory retention, help to make you more creative, which is great for problem-solving, and it can even improve focus.

As such, a standing desk really can help to improve your workflow massively. Sitting for prolonged periods slows down blood flow. In turn, this can leave you feeling lethargic and thus less productive!

Comfort

Obviously, sitting for extended periods can lead to immense back and neck pain. Especially if you adopt an inefficient posture. Standing desks are designed to totally alleviate this pain. While standing, you’ll be encouraged to adopt an upright posture that maintains the curvature of your spine. And for an added bonus, all of that extra standing helps to burn around 88 calories for every hour!

However, it’s worth noting that prolonged standing can be just as uncomfortable and damaging as prolonged sitting. Except, prolonged standing will instead affect the legs and feet. When you stand for long periods, all of your weight is placed on your feet. This means that they have to work extra hard. Over time, your feet and legs will begin to ache.

Standing for the entire working day would put a significant strain on your feet. You’d need to break the working day up with occasional periods of sitting!

This is why many standing desks are adjustable. So you can turn them into sitting desks when necessary. These convertible desks allow you to engage in seated work and standing work, to alleviate the issues of both!

Task Types

Some tasks are easier when seated, while others are easier when standing. Thus, each desk type is best for a specific type of work.

For instance, if you are engaging in regular office work, such as typing and answering calls, then a standing desk may suit you just fine. However, a more physically involved task, such as drawing, would be easier from a seated position.

To decide which of the two types of desk is best for you, you would need to consider the kinds of tasks you are regularly performing!

Which Type Of Desk Is Best For You?

Ultimately, the answer to this will depend on the type of work you do, and how long you spend at your desk. If you only spend a certain number of hours at your desk, then either a standing or sitting desk would be just fine. However, if you engage in work that requires a deft hand, such as if you are an artist, then a sitting desk is the best option.

Convertible standing desks are great, because they allow you to alternate between standing and sitting throughout the day. Sitting or standing for too long can create various aches and pains across the body.

Sitting and standing for too long can be hazardous to health. As such, your best option ultimately is to grab a convertible desk. These desks allow you to adjust them into either a sitting or standing position. This way, you can alternate between both positions throughout the working day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Standing Desks Vs. Sitting Desks: Which Is Best For You?

Standing desks are great for preventing back and neck pain. They also help to improve productivity and mood. However, they are not definitely better than sitting desks. Standing for too long can create leg and foot pain. Your best bet is to go for a desk that can be adjusted between sitting and standing positions!