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There are different types of standing desks available in the current market. Some of the most popular options for home use include electric standing desks, manual standing desks, and standing desk converters.
What Are the Different Types of Standing Desks?
Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular as more people become aware of the health benefits of alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day.
Jang-Ho Park and Divya Srinivasan of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia investigated in 2021 the effects of prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, and a sit-stand paradigm on changes in trunk stiffness, low back discomfort, and trunk muscle activation in 12 subjects. They found that the alternating sit-stand pattern can help prevent lower back pain.
In this section, we will briefly discuss the different types of standing desks available for home use.
1. Height Adjustable Standing Desks
Height-adjustable standing desks allow users to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which can help to reduce muscle pain, improve posture, and boost energy levels.
Electric Standing Desks
An electric standing desk is a desk that can be adjusted in height, either manually or with the use of electric motors.
Electric standing desks typically have two motors, one for each leg of the desk. The motors are controlled by a button or lever, and they can raise or lower the desk in a matter of seconds. Some electric standing desks also have memory presets, so the user can save their favourite heights and easily switch between them.
Manual Operating Standing Desks
A manual standing desk is a desk that can be adjusted in height manually, typically by turning a crank or lever. Manual standing desks are a good option for people who are looking for a more affordable option than an electric standing desk.
Pneumatic Gas Lift Standing Desks
A pneumatic gas lift standing desk is a type of height-adjustable desk that uses compressed gas to raise and lower the desk surface. The gas is contained in a cylinder that is attached to the underside of the desk. When you press a lever or button, the gas is released, which causes the cylinder to extend and raise the desk surface. To lower the desk, you simply press the lever or button again.
2. Standing Desk Converters
A standing desk converter is a device that allows you to convert your existing desk into a standing desk. It is a smaller, more affordable alternative to a full-size standing desk as it sits on top of your existing desk.
Standing desk converters typically consist of a platform that raises and lowers and a keyboard tray. They can be either manual or electric.
To use a standing desk converter, you simply place your monitor, keyboard, and other workspace essentials on the platform. Then, you can adjust the height of the platform to your desired level. When you want to sit, you simply lower the platform back down.
3. Mobile Standing Desk
A mobile standing desk is just like any other standing desk (that is, adjustable in height). The only difference is that it can be moved around on wheels. Some models may not have wheels but they are light enough to be moved around.
How to Choose Which One Suits Your Home Office
You can check out our list of the best standing desks. However, you will need to consider these factors:
Size
The size of your desk will depend on the amount of space you have available and the amount of equipment you need to fit on it. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 24 inches of clearance between your desk and the wall behind it, and at least 2 feet of clearance on either side of your desk.
Height
The height of your desk should be adjustable so that you can comfortably work in both sitting and standing positions. A good way to measure the right height for you is to stand up with your arms at your sides and your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. The top of your desk should be at about the same height as your elbows.
Construction
Standing desks come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass. Choose a material that is durable and will last for many years.
Features
Some standing desks have additional features, such as built-in cable management, drawers, or keyboard trays. These features can be helpful, but they may also add to the cost of the desk.
Budget
Standing desks can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
How long should you stand at a standing desk?
The ideal amount of time to stand at a standing desk is a matter of ongoing research, but the general consensus is that a ratio of 1 hour of standing for every 1-2 hours of sitting is optimal. This means that you should aim to stand for at least 30-60 minutes out of every hour.
Dr Hidde P. van der Ploeg from the Sydney School of Public Health at the University of Sydney conducted a survey in 2012 with 200,000 Australian adults and concluded that prolonged sitting is a risk factor in all-cause mortality.
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3 Types of Standing Desks Suitable for Home Use
3 Types of Standing Desks Suitable for Home Use