standing desks - what's everyone's takes?

[NiHaoMike]

I researched standing desks a while back (several years ago) and came to the conclusion that standing for extended times is better than sitting for extended times, but alternating between the two a few times per hour is better than either sitting or standing. I forgot the reason why, but changing positions just a few times per hour is not much physical activity so something else has to explain it.

Now I wonder if pedaling a stationary bicycle at a slow pace for a few hours might be the best option when doing stuff at a desk. It should be similar to cycling on a sightseeing trail at a leisurely speed.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

Love it and wouldn't be without it.

I get 18-20K steps a day with the use of a walking pad while I work as a software engineer.

 

[Scaramouche]

I researched standing desks a while back (several years ago) and came to the conclusion that standing for extended times is better than sitting for extended times, but alternating between the two a few times per hour is better than either sitting or standing. I forgot the reason why, but changing positions just a few times per hour is not much physical activity so something else has to explain it.

Now I wonder if pedaling a stationary bicycle at a slow pace for a few hours might be the best option when doing stuff at a desk. It should be similar to cycling on a sightseeing trail at a leisurely speed.

Hi Mike,
Yup,sloping desks are great...Early in my professional career,we had stools and worked at four foot by three drawing boards with a side desk for writing....Most Guys sat or stood alternately...A walking pad would have been terrific!

 

[nicksaiz65]

Love it and wouldn't be without it.

I get 18-20K steps a day with the use of a walking pad while I work as a software engineer.

I’m seriously thinking about getting one of these for my apartment. One of the biggest things keeping me from locking in during the work day is I can’t stop pacing around. I’m restless.

What brand do you have?

 

[BackInTheGame78]

I’m seriously thinking about getting one of these for my apartment. One of the biggest things keeping me from locking in during the work day is I can’t stop pacing around. I’m restless.

What brand do you have?

Not sure exactly...I get mine on Amazon. Been thru 3 already because I wear them out, haha...

I feel like they have many companies selling the same model with their own branding.

Luckily they are now super cheap, you can get them for under $100. The first one I got a few years ago I paid like $229 for I think.

 

[FlexpertHamilton]

im interested in them myself but most people i've seen using them are sitting down on a high stool more often than not so kinda defeats the purpose.

i do hate sitting down in a chair, its never comfortable and it always makes me lethargic

 

[BackInTheGame78]

im interested in them myself but most people i've seen using them are sitting down on a high stool more often than not so kinda defeats the purpose.

i do hate sitting down in a chair, its never comfortable and it always makes me lethargic

Combine a standing desk with a walking pad and turn work into a fat burning activity.

 

[Ricky]

I alternate between two work sites, one has a standing desk the other doesn’t. I absolutely love starting my standing for the first hour and also standing after lunch is really helpful to avoid and post lunch carb coma fatigue.

i sometimes add wearing a weighted backpack to the mix.

at the other worksite where i dont have a standing work desk i get up and take more walks

 

[Aurora Demon]

Only heard good things about Try it and report back to us.

 

[misua]

I’ve seen similar findings in ergonomics research. The key isn’t choosing between sitting or standing but avoiding staying in any one position too long. Alternating between the two helps redistribute strain on your muscles and joints and supports better circulation, which reduces stiffness and fatigue. Light pedaling under a desk can add gentle movement and improve blood flow, but it may make focused tasks like typing less precise if the pace or resistance is too high. In general, frequent position changes, brief movement breaks each hour, and moderate low-intensity activity seem to be the most practical and balanced approach for a desk setup.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

I’ve seen similar findings in ergonomics research. The key isn’t choosing between sitting or standing but avoiding staying in any one position too long. Alternating between the two helps redistribute strain on your muscles and joints and supports better circulation, which reduces stiffness and fatigue. Light pedaling under a desk can add gentle movement and improve blood flow, but it may make focused tasks like typing less precise if the pace or resistance is too high. In general, frequent position changes, brief movement breaks each hour, and moderate low-intensity activity seem to be the most practical and balanced approach for a desk setup.

Not if you want to multi-task and burn calories it isn't. Pretty hard to replicate getting 20K steps a day in without wasting 3 hours of free time otherwise.

 

[Ricky]

Not if you want to multi-task and burn calories it isn't. Pretty hard to replicate getting 20K steps a day in without wasting 3 hours of free time otherwise.

I have a coworker who walks on the company time often. Between that and his habit of sneaking out early its a wonder he doesnt get fired

 

[BackInTheGame78]

I have a coworker who walks on the company time often. Between that and his habit of sneaking out early its a wonder he doesnt get fired

I work and walk. Not quite as fast as normal that I would do outside which is around 3.3-3.4 mph, but I can do 2.8-2.9 mph pretty easily without any impact to my ability to work and type. Actually walking right now when I typed this message