Welcome to higher ground.
Either you’re thinking about investing in a standing desk for your office, or you’ve committed to it.
Besides being able to see the dust accumulating on the top of your shelf, get prepared to feel happier, livelier, and more focused.
Our agency recently purchased a few for ourselves. Here’s what we learned (and what you soon will, too) in chronological order:
1. You will feel a boost of energy.
What’s happening to your body?
When you’re sitting, the majority of your muscles are relaxed and inactive. The moment you stand up, electrical activity starts firing in your legs and your body starts to react. Your heart rate increases by 8 beats per minute on average, sending more blood to the brain and helping you stay alert.
2. You will get a real ab workout.
Sitting requires minimal core stabilization, but standing up straight, just like your mother taught you, engages all of your core muscles, abs and lower back included.
Is that Channing Tatum?!
No, that’s just you, sporting your fantastic abs after converting to a standing desk (maybe a slight exaggeration, but you never know).
3. You will become conscious of your entire body.
Maintaining proper posture at your new standing desk is crucial for long-term comfort.
But, as you’re adjusting to match the ideal stance outlined in the illustration below, you’re suddenly going to become aware of body parts you forgot even existed.
Source: Wired.
It’s like an infant noticing his or her feet for the first time. You’re finally freed from the tyranny of your seat, and now wiggling your toes has taken on a new, liberating feeling.
4. You will REALLY start to become conscious of your entire body.
After the first half hour, your firmly rooted stance will start to waver.
Your feet will tire, your back might tighten up, and you’ll start shifting your weight side-to -side, warding off the growing fatigue in your legs.
What’s worse? You’ll very soon experience the “awkward arm.” This phenomenon occurs when your right hand navigates your mouse and left hand suddenly loses purpose, falling limp to your side like a sadly inflated balloon.
Some potential solves for this problem include:
– Casually putting your hand in your pocket.
– Reaching for a quick sip of coffee.
– Throwing out a quick but vigorous jazz hand.
5. You will cave.
You can’t take it anymore. You aren’t used to standing for so long at work, and you’re ready for a break. As you slowly sink down into your chair, and your coworkers look on with that, “You’re giving up already?” stare, tell them this: Medical professionals recommend switching between sitting and standing every 30 minutes for the greatest impact on your health.
Too much of any one thing can be harmful, a fact that’s devastatingly true for both Chipotle burrito lovers and standing desk users.
6. You will stand back up and continue to enjoy the incredible health benefits of your standing desk.
Over time, you’ll adjust your standing desk based on what works best for you. And you’ll stick with it, because in the back of your mind, you’ll recall standing for longer periods at work is associated with a reduced risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
And if you’re still on the fence, take some personal testimony from us. We love our standing desks.
Reach out to us on Instagram @QuattroPhilly for more on our company culture. We’re always eager to hear new ways to improve our lives in the office!