With people working at home during this time of COVID-19, many are looking at improving their health by using a standing desk. There is no doubt; the right standing desks can bring you better health and wellness through good ergonomics.
As the owner of a Physical Therapy practice, I am starting to see the fallout in people who now sit all day to work. Standing desks increase your potential for movement during the day. This movement adds to your overall wellness and helps control weight gain, which brings a host of problems.
The Basics of Selecting Standing Desks
There are several factors you want to consider when selecting your new standing desk. The most important is finding one with the correct ergonomic features. Making sure that your standing desk is the right height is your first consideration. When you are typing at your desk, your forearms should be in parallel with the ground. Check for a 90-degree bend at your elbows. Your feet should always be flat on the floor.
Protecting Your Joints with Standing Desks
When working at your standing desk, be sure to get a cushioned mat to take the pressure off your joints and protect them from damage. Wear supportive shoes as well, especially if you’re standing on a hard surface, like tile or concrete.
What Style Standing Desk Should You Purchase?
There are three basic types of standing desks you should consider purchasing. Here are the specifics of each:
Dedicated Sit-Stand Desks
A motor moves the desk from the sitting position to the standing position on this type of desk. The platform has plenty of room for your keyboard and monitor, along with the other accessories you need to have at hand while working.
If you have plenty of space and a generous budget, this option will work well for you. If you can, splurge for the motorized option instead of the hand crank, which can be tedious. Make sure that the space on the desktop is big enough because this will replace your entire desk. (Costs range from $300-$1500+)
Conversion Desks
This option is convenient for lots of folks, as it sits on top of your current desk and raises and lowers the keyboard and monitor, or your laptop, to the desired standing height. This movement can be done with a manual, spring-loaded mechanism or may even have a motorized option.
There is no need to mount these units onto your existing desk. They sit on top and usually have two shelves… one for the monitor and one for the keyboard. The cost of these is relatively low ($100-$400).
Swingarm Models
The swingarm models are the most flexible option, as they can be moved out of the way when not in use. These are most effective with using a laptop since the platform is not very big and may have trouble accommodating a full-size monitor and keyboard. When used, they will bring your laptop (and webcam) up to eye level for video meetings. You can use screws or clamps to add them to your existing desk.
These models have a relatively low cost ($100-$300) and are a good option for someone who’s doing many video meetings.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Standing Desk?
Most people would benefit from moving more during the day. If you’re wondering if a standing or a sitting/standing desk would be right for you, ask your doctor or physical therapist. In our physical therapy practice, we see clients that feel better now that they use a standing desk. Try one and get the ergonomic advantage!
If we can help with any aches and pains you are having from sitting all day, contact us at Kinetic Physical Therapy for an evaluation.
