Standing desks are a crazy new revolution in the desk industry. After several health reports discussed the deadly nature of sitting all day at work, computer users scrambled to buy standing desks.
Today, standing desks can be spotted at offices and homes across the world. But should you actually get one? Are there any good benefits to standing desks? What’s the catch? Are there any reasons not to get a standing desk?
I’m going to answer all of those questions and explain why standing desks are good for you and why they might not be:

4) You don’t have to waste money on an office chair

Office chairs are expensive. I know people who have spent over $800 on office chairs. With standing desks, you don’t need an office chair. You never have to buy an office chair again. How nice is that?

3) Improved focus and energy

This is the most subjective benefit on the list. Some standing desk users report feeling tired and lazy when they sit, only for that to completely change when they use a standing desk.
Your mileage may vary. There’s probably a bit of physical evidence behind this and a lot of psychological evidence: if you genuinely think that standing desks improve your energy and concentration, then they’re going to improve your energy and concentration. If you don’t believe it, then they probably won’t.
The idea is that our brains are more focused when our bodies are more physically active. Standing desks encourage blood flow throughout the body, which can make it easier to perform desk-related jobs.

2) They can be converted into sitting desks

Some people like to stand at their desks all day every day for the rest of their lives. However, most people want the option to lower or raise their desk depending on what they’re doing.
For that reason, most standing desks are of the “retractable” variety. They can be extended into standing desks and retracted into sitting desks whenever you want.
So if your reason for not getting a standing desk was “I don’t want to stand all the time”, then rest assured that they can become sitting desks at a moment’s notice.

1) They’re probably good for your health

This is in the number one slot for good reason: it’s the most valuable advantage out there. Lots of research has recently been done on the health risks of sitting all day, and none of it looks good for people who sit all day.
Standing in one spot all day won’t make you a ripped god with rippling muscles, but it will encourage healthier circulation throughout the body.
Users of standing desks have reported feeling healthier and more energetic at work. However, the real value in standing desks might be in your long-term health. Make an investment in yourself today and consider buying a standing desk.

Potential bad effects of standing desks

Note: There is some debate in the medical community about whether or not standing all day is good for your body. There is no consensus stating that sitting all day is definitely bad for you. So don’t feel too bad if you’re still using a sitting desk! It’s not guaranteed to shorten your life.
Check out this study if you want to learn more about the science behind health risks and sitting all day. That study concluded by stating that:
“Limited evidence was found to support a positive relationship between occupational sitting and health risks.”
Basically, don’t immediately assume that standing desks are much better for your health than sitting desks. Whether you’re standing or sitting all day, a sedentary lifestyle is never good.
One issue that many people complain about after getting a standing desk is their feet. Namely, their feet get really sore after standing all day. You know those fancy pads cashiers stand on at work? Those are specially designed to handle someone standing on their feet all day. If you’re serious about your standing desk goals, you should probably get one of those.
Some people complain that they feel pain in their feet, while others report pain in the lower back. It totally depends on your posture, your body, your desk height, and your muscles.
Another problem is that when using standing desks, some people put pressure on their wrists. This increases the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome – even if it’s just a bit of pressure.
A final issue is that standing can reduce your fine motor skills, making it more difficult to use the mouse and keyboard.
Here’s what I recommend: look for free standing desk trials. Or, look at the return policy for various furniture companies. Return your standing desk after 14 days or a month if you don’t like the benefits.