At The Performance Group, we are continuously updating our offices to promote productivity, efficiency, and teamwork. We are nearing the end of a renovation plan we had set in place, and the difference in moral and productivity is overwhelming! It’s amazing the difference that even a new desk and chair can do for one of our staffing specialists. One integral piece we focused on bringing into all of our offices were standing desks. Why not just new normal and modernized desks? We’ll tell you exactly why.

Burns Calories

One of the greatest benefits people like to hear about standing desks is that it actually contributes to burning calories too. When we stand, we tend to shift our weight and leg muscles are activated, resulting in an increased amount of calories burned. According to an article published by Healthline, you can actually burn up to 200 calories an hour just by standing. Comparatively, in that same timeframe, you would only burn up to 130 calories by sitting. Neat right?

Increases Energy

An increase in energy from standing is a benefit that our team can personally vouge for. Many of us have felt increases in energy as we utilize the standing desks, even if it’s only for a short amount of time. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, out of a 7-week study, 87% of those using standing desks reported higher energy throughout the day. When we sit, we don’t expend energy, so our body quite literally goes into standby mode. Even the subtlest of movement while you work increases overall energy for this reason.

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Boosts Focus

Now that energy is up, focus tends to go with it. With a standing desk in place, the body is doing a bit more of everything: moving, expending energy, and burning calories. Consequently, we tend to see the same mental effects of working out. It is widely known that working out increases levels of dopamine, or the “feel-good” hormone. So that slight increase in activation of your muscles while standing at work will send the same signals to your brain that working out does. That dopamine results in higher alertness, motivation, and in turn; boosts focus.

Improves Posture

This one is a more obvious benefit. Utilizing a standing desk can help improve posture overtime. Poor posture develops from various injuries or illnesses, but also just due to the day to day effects of gravity. The best way to counteract these effects is by practicing good posture. When sitting we often slouch out of comfort. Thus, standing desks help practice standing up straight instead.

Reduces Back Pain

Another clear benefit and result of improved posture: reduced back pain. Numerous studies have been conducted proving this benefit of standing desks. One found that using a standing desk reduced upper back and neck pain by as high as 54%. Most health experts suggest that workers change their posture consistently throughout the day to reduce these effects, and standing desks encourage that healthier balance of sitting and standing.

Reduce Health Risks

One of the most interesting benefits of standing desks is that they actually help reduce risk for a number of health conditions. Firstly, it may lower your risk of heart disease. Sitting for long periods of time can actually increase risks of heart disease because your body is in standby and ends up storing more fat. So swapping some sitting time for standing is great for heart health. Additionally, standing helps lower blood sugar levels. After lunch, instead of sitting back down, try standing. Most blood sugar is disposed when muscles are put to work. The same study from the National Library of Medicine found that standing after lunch reduced the blood sugar spike after lunch by around 43% compared to sitting. Try putting it to the test!

So, have we got you sold? We think standing desks are worth the talk, but do you? Tell us in the comments!