Depending on the amount of space available in your office, most likely, you have already taken the plunge and installed either a sit-stand desk or a sit-stand desktop unit. Pictured above is Human Scale’s popular Float® system and on our home page are Human Scale’s more portable options. If you haven’t already, here are some considerations to keep in mind when you purchase:
SPACE
If space is at your disposal and your desktop area is used for large jobs such as sketching and graphics, it makes more sense to invest in a stand-alone sit-stand desk. If you have a desktop that is perfect for you now, then there are better options for you that allow you to use what you already have.
DEPTH
If space is at your disposal and you have decided to go with the sit-stand desk, you will also want to consider the depth of the sit-stand unit. 30” or larger will be a good size for a larger unit.
HEIGHT
Some work tasks may require differents heights, so it is very important that the unit is height adjustable. If many people use the unit, it’s also important that it adjusts to everyone’s height. A basic height range is between 22.6” to 48.7” according to the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association.
WEIGHT
Weight restrictions are usually listed in bold letters on description details of the units. Always make sure you place close attention to this. If you use large computers and large screens make sure the units are capable of holding the weight of these devices. Usually there are different models of sit-stand units made for a variety of computers, laptops and tablets.
BUDGET
Sit-stand units can be inexpensive. But keep in mind, the higher end price point will typically be a better experience and you will probably get more use out of the unit if it is not cumbersome to adjust to the working height you need. Different tasks usually require different heights. If the unit takes a painfully long time to go from one height to the next, you are most likely to give up on the device and go back to just sitting.
Further up on the scale are programmed devices that remember your height preferences. You also don’t want to keep your unit at standing height all day if it is the only desk you have in your office, because standing all day has proven to be just as bad as sitting all day. The idea here, is to strike a balance between the two.
Maximizing the Benefits of a Sit-Stand Solution
Striking a balance between sitting and standing is the best approach to maximizing the benefits of a sit-stand unit. Allow for a transition period and be prepared for some unexpected fatigue at first. Build up to more time standing slowly. Wear good shoes and invest in a gel mat. Eventually, you will see and feel long term benefits.
“After just a few weeks I noticed a change – I had more energy, I felt more active and alive, I breathed better (not hunched), I was actually calmer, more reflective and able to focus when needed. My body felt great – my legs felt stronger, my back a thousand times better, my neck better, etc. I’ve had all the upsides and few downsides. I lost more weight/gained more muscle in my legs and back – good times!”
Usually in a few weeks to a couple of months, a sedentary person will notice positive changes in energy levels, focusability and resilience. Following these best practices will help you achieve optimal results:
Don’t Sit All Day. Don’t Stand All Day.
Sit-stand units are meant to give us freedom of mobility. While sitting all day is not good for your spine, neither is standing. A good recommendation for someone who has been sedentary is to start standing 10 to 15 minutes for every hour of sitting.
Don’t Exhaust Yourself
The idea is to reduce sedentary behaviors. Yes, you probably will burn a few more calories standing, but it is very unlikely that you will lose weight by standing at work. Try following the 15 minute rule. You will eventually notice an overall improvement in your energy levels and your resilience.
Don’t Break Concentration
Sit or Stand but when focused on an important task, get comfortable and complete that task. If alarms are breaking your concentration, don’t set them just to stay on a sit-stand schedule. If you just trade off when you can throughout the day, you will be able to stay focused and still keep up at work. Pay attention to what your body needs to stay focused. If you are getting uncomfortable, readjust and continue to work. You will eventually notice less aches and pains throughout the day.
While we have these in stock, we are offering them at a markdown price. Come see us today about Humanscale options for sit-stand solutions.
