Although sit-stand desks (or standing desks) have recently become somewhat chic (especially in the tech scene), the benefits of standing while working has long been advocated. Ernest Hemingway and Thomas Jefferson both believed in the benefits of sit-stand desks, and it’s time that you do, too. In addition to burning more calories, standing while working can ward off many potential health concerns.
Why Are Standing Desks Beneficial?
Based on the findings a raft of fresh medical research, the longer the amount of time a person spends sitting every day, the higher his risks of suffering from heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and worst of all, an early death. From the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, a set of researchers kept track of 17,000 Canadians in a span of over 12 years. And it was discovered that those individuals who sat for majority of the day had a 54 percent higher possibility of dying from heart attacks compared to those who didn’t.
Since standing up requires your body to use more energy than just sitting, you can enjoy the benefit of burning more calories during your time in the office. Assuming that you will not increase your overall calorie intake, this may translate to weight loss over time. Moreover, standing up also promotes better circulation, making it easier for you to stay focused and alert all throughout the day. Although standing up cannot magically cure you of all the illnesses you’ve accrued during your past sedentary lifestyle, it most definitely can contribute to your overall well-being.
Read on to discover the seven best sit-stand desks that can help you become a healthier individual.
1) Single Standing Up Desk by VariDesk
The VariDesk Single Standing Up Desk is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to add sit-to-stand capabilities to any preexisting desk or workstation. Affordable and easy to use, this revolutionary platform provides you with the choice to work whether sitting or standing. It’s the ideal way to boost your health, your energy, and your productivity all at the same time. The VariDesk Single Standing Up Desk features a stable design and a spring-assisted lift that allows you to shift your position in mere moments with a quick squeeze of the side handles.
Product Dimensions: 30 x 27 x 5 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual monitors: No
Adjustable height: Yes[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBFRN8K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BBFRN8K&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=B3MST34UVIAEZLNQ’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy Varidesk from Amazon[/thrive_link]
2) Original Standing Desk by Stand Steady
A fundamentally heavy-duty work surface on a set of adjustable legs, the Stand Steady Original Standing Desk rests atop your current desk or cubicle, easily transforming it into a standing desk. It features a large surface area capable of holding your monitor, keyboard, and mouse, including a a cup of coffee or a notebook all on one plane. This adjustable platform allows you to adjust the desk to your desired height with no difficulty at all. With the Stand Steady Steady Original Standing Desk, you can gain over 3 square feet of extra storage space underneath the platform.
Product Dimensions: 22 x 29.5 x 49 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual monitors: No
Adjustable height: No[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXOGHQI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BXOGHQI&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=DH5PIMQVFWCJ4H7G’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy the Stand Steady from Amazon[/thrive_link]
3) WorkFit-S Dual-Monitor Sit-Stand Workstation by Ergotron
Transform any surface into a customized stand-up desk with Ergotron’s WorkFit-S, a dual-monitor sit-stand workstation that promotes proper posture through an ergonomic sit-stand work routine. This height-adjustable platform allows you to align two computer monitors side-by-side, creating a productive dual-display workstation at your own desk. It features counterbalanced adjustments points that allow instantaneous and tool-free repositioning as you work. By choosing to use Ergotron’s WorkFit-S, you are preventing yourself from suffering from the harmful consequences of sedentary work styles.
Product Dimensions: 44.2 x 8 x 23 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual monitors: Yes
Adjustable height: Yes[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y3PF6E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003Y3PF6E&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=4X4BGFXPPQ6JPUTK’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy Ergotron Workfit from Amazon[/thrive_link]
4) Adjustable Standing Desk by Workez
Searching for a stable surface at the perfect height for comfortable work is always a challenge. However, with the Workez Adjustable Standing Desk, you will need to look no futher. This simple and easy-to-use sit-stand desk features an aluminum monitor stand that adjust from heights of 0 to 2 feet and an aluminum keyboard tray that can be adjusted at certain increments, allowing you to work comfortably in your most preferred positions. The Workez Adjustable Standing Desk also features a removable mouse pad platform to hold your mouse at the desired height.
Product Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 6 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual
Adjustable height: Yes[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FCFT928/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FCFT928&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=D43XKTTNQBE2YMXV’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy Workez Standing Desk from Amazon[/thrive_link]
5) Pro Standing Desk by VariDesk
If you are an individual who suffers endlessly from chronic back pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain, then the VariDesk Pro Standing Desk is the perfect solution for you. Adjusting to the habit of standing rather than sitting can be a challenge at first, but this innovative adjustable-height desk can certainly help you with that. The VariDesk Pro Standing Desk stays on top of your existing table or desk and gives you the choice to work comfortably while in a sitting or standing position. It features a large work surface capable of accommodating two monitors at once and a sturdy design that can hold up to 35 pounds with no difficulty at all.
Product Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 5 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual monitors: Yes
Adjustable height: Yes[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBFXBF4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BBFXBF4&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=4ZJUH6FN5OUXU5TW’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy Varidesk Pro from Amazon[/thrive_link]
6) WorkFit-D Sit-Stand Desk by Ergotron
Move smoothly and effortlessly from a sitting position to a standing position at any time with Ergotron’s WorkFit-D, an adjustable and ergonomic sit-stand desk that encourages healthy movement all throughout your day at work. An innovative platform for both wellness and productivity, the WorkFit-D brings you a myriad of ways that can positively benefit your health, ranging burning a few extra calories to improving posture. Ergotron’s WorkFit-D operates with fluid ease, without any cranks or motors to interfere with your workflow when you want to move.
Product Dimensions 50.9 x 29.4 x 16.9 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual monitors: Yes
Adjustable height: Yes
***My personal favorite design out of the list***[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MQTMGG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009MQTMGG&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=EP6N7RYBXBY6L2KL’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy Ergotron Workfit-D from Amazon[/thrive_link]
7) Executive Standing Desk by Stand Steady
Affordable and easy-to-use, the Stand Steady Executive Standing desk easily rests atop of your preexisting desk or cubicle, converting it into a standing desk in an instant. At 32 by 22 inches, this sit-stand desk is one of the largest available, sizeable enough to hold two monitors at the same time while giving you over 4.5 square feet of storage space underneath the surface platform. The Stand Steady Executive Standing Desk comes with the option of angling the desk surface to certain degrees, a great benefit for laptop users.
Product Dimensions: 32 x 22 x 15 inches
[thrive_icon_box color=’blue’ style=’1′ image=’https://examinedexistence.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/check-mark-for-comparison-chart.jpeg’]Room for dual monitors: Yes
Adjustable height: No[/thrive_icon_box]
[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0ODMB6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E0ODMB6&linkCode=as2&tag=thesuccha-20&linkId=OADTT4IUZ3U2FASW’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Buy Stand Steady Executive from Amazon[/thrive_link]
Standing Desk Conversion Platforms Are Another Option
So if you do not want a standing desk or are not able to afford it, there is another option to convert your current desk to a standing desk when necessary. To do this, you just need a standing desk conversion platform. In actuality, it is what the Executive Desk by Stand Steady is and most of the ones on the list are. But they are fairly advanced in their ability to adjust for height. However, if you want some cheaper options, take a look at some of these.
32”Wide Standing Desktop Desk
Fairly basic design that is big enough for 2 monitors. Get the 42” inch wide one for extra space. It’s only $15 extra.
[price_one title=”32”Wide Standing Desktop Desk” price=”$99″ time=”” btn_text=”Buy From Amazon” btn_link=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015RXUV3U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thesuccha-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B015RXUV3U&linkId=5a39a0ae681d66168d925d3e08770461″ btn_color=”blue” btn_size=”medium”]Upgrade to the 42” for another $15[/price_one]
Joki Standing Desk Platform
Nice design but not big enough for two monitors.
[price_one title=”Joki Standing Desk Platform” price=”$139″ time=”” btn_text=”Buy From Amazon” btn_link=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BJ8R950/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thesuccha-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01BJ8R950&linkId=b33920313c8ab37d8c0322bb5d989733″ btn_color=”blue” btn_size=”medium”][/price_one]
If you are looking for free or super-cheap options to make a standing desk out of your existing desk, refer to my post here.
What About The AltWork Workstation?
So there’s been a lot of rave lately about the Altwork workstation? It’s pitched as a revolutionary workstation that will change the way you work. It lets you work in four key positions, sitting down, standing up, collaborating, or reclined/laying down. You get all this for the starting price of $3,900. They do offer a payment plan. So there’s that. So do I think it’s worth it?
To tell you the truth, I almost put in an order. I mean, it’s a ridiculously cool concept. But I held back. This is because I asked myself what the difference between the Altwork and the workstation I have right now. From the looks of it, it is definitely more comfortable. It comes pre-assembled with all workstation necessities, a fully reclining seat, swiveling monitor mount with option for second monitor/laptop, and tray for your keyboard and mouse. But is paying thousands of dollars extra worth it for the added comfort? To me it isn’t. Although I am in their target demographic (someone who spends 10-14 hours a day on the computer), the price point is too expensive for me. If you haven’t heard of this desk, check this video out; it explains everything you need to know about it.
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