Get-Up, Stand-Up: Rethinking Your Desk Choice

Scientific research has shown that sitting for an extended period of time can contribute to weight gain, poor posture, and pain in the neck and back. Research also shows that standing for long periods of time can also have a negative impact on your health. Most things are okay in moderation, but too much standing or sitting can be bad for you. Fortunately, there are solutions. For example, breaking up your work day with walks to will interrupt prolonged periods of being still. Or, seek out an alternative to the traditional desk.

Standing up throughout the work day has now become en vogue, and the stand up desk is part of a new generation of desks with electric motors that raise the desk platform smoothly from a sitting position to a standing position.

We asked GeekDesk and Relax the Back® a few questions to better understand the benefits of this new kind of desk.

Being able to be in motion is what really helps: it helps your circulation, your back, your focus, even can help with weight loss.

What are clients looking for when they come to buy a stand up desk?

GeekDesk: When we first started, the most common complaint we heard about was back pain. If you stay in one position all day at work, you are going to get sore. Lately though, we are seeing more people becoming interested in the GeekDesk even before they have issues. They want to change their work habits before they develop a problem. This shift to a preventative and proactive sort of mentality is really heartening, and honestly, it is the best approach.

What are the benefits of the Geek Desk?

GeekDesk: Being able to be in motion is the best solution to your body’s problems: it increases blood circulation, prevents back pain, improves your focus; it can even help with weight loss. On its own, the GeekDesk doesn’t do those things. Rather, it gives you the opportunity to do them for yourself. The goal of the GeekDesk is to keep you healthy, productive, and active, which makes sense as the three are pretty intertwined. That’s what we considered when designing the product.

Customization is the key to a healthy workspace. Additional accessories contribute to a holistic approach of workplace wellness.

How does a desk job affect health at the office?

Relax the Back®: Being sedentary can exacerbate existing health issues. With Relax the Back, you can stand until you’re tired, then sit until you’re not. The sit-to-stand desk encourages movement, improves muscle tone, circulation and mental alertness. Over time, expect to spend more time up and less time down; mentally as well as physically.

What else can be done to make your office work for you?

Relax the Back®: Customization is the key to a healthy workspace. Relax the Back® suggests configurable office chairs. Choose your chair to achieve the healthiest posture for your time while seated. Options include seat depth, seat height, seat-back angle & height, tilt/tilt-locking, and lumbar support. Adjustable armrests (height as well as inward articulation) are featured on a number of the chairs. Additional accessories contribute to a holistic approach to workplace wellness: keyboard trays, monitor arms, task lights, and footrests allow you to additionally enhance your office comfort.

You may need a few days of warming up to this sit to stand routine, but it’s all worth it. Make sure you give a heads up to the rest of your team before investing, as you are going to be a head and shoulders above the rest of the office (in more ways than one).