How Long Should I Stand at Work? Your Top Standing Questions Answered!

Want to stand more at work to break your sedentary lifestyle but do not know how to do it right or do not want to suffer possible risks? We get you! And in this post, we’ll try to take a look at and answer some of the most common questions people ask about standing.

How much difference does standing at work make compared to sitting?

Electric standing desks have become one of the newest solutions health specialists found to combat sedentary lifestyle at work, and many offices have started work to convert their offices into more ergonomic spaces. But how beneficial really is standing compared to sitting?

Well, when it comes to burning calories, there isn’t much difference—with only 8 extra calories burned per hour when you stand compared to when you sit. However, outside of burning calories, standing offers several benefits against common health conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, and heart problems. In fact, some researches showed that you can get an extra two years in your life expectancy by reducing your sitting time by three hours every day.

How long should I stand at work?

While there is a recommended sitting to standing ratio, the truth is that the recommended amount of time for standing will depend on several factors, including where you are in this journey. If you are just starting now, then be patient with yourself and don’t expect to be standing too long without getting tired.

In terms of recommended amount of standing time, this can range from 15 minutes up to as much as 45 minutes every hour. To make the most of this, remember the following:

• Start small and build up to a comfortable standing time for you
• Keep moving—even when standing, don’t freeze in one position
• Always stay in good health condition so you are always up to standing at work
• Listen to your body—when fatigue hits, sit down and rest

What are the risks associated with standing at work?

The most common risk, and symptom, is fatigue. When you start feeling discomfort and pain, it is important to slow down and take more rest. Otherwise, this can lead to more serious health risks such as joint problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and circulation problems. The latter, if allowed to persist for a long time, can ultimately lead to heart issues. Apart from these, too much standing can also lead to developing varicose veins.

The key to avoiding all these risks is balance—just the right amount of time spent between sitting and standing. Make sure not to overdo it and to pay attention to any discomfort or pain that would tell you to slow down.

How can I make standing at work more comfortable?

The first tip, as already mentioned, is to take it slow, especially if you are just starting in this journey. Apart from this, there are other things you can do to make standing easier. The first is to use proper footwear—avoid high heels and opt for flats. Choose comfortable shoes that are perfect for standing. You may also use compression socks to help your feet and legs. Another thing you can do is to invest in an anti-fatigue mat, a mat that absorbs the pressure when you stand for a prolonged period of time. Of course, another recommended tip is to invest in a standing desk—this will make the shift from sitting to standing, and back, so much easier with just a press of a button.

So, are you ready to jump into a new, healthier lifestyle by standing more and sitting less at work? If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us via our Instagram page or via this website.

About Us

MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country.

Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.
 
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