The Truth About Standing Desks | What Desk Should You Buy?

work desks

With the new surge in sitting research, ergonomics companies, standing desk manufacturers and wearable fitness tracker entrepreneurs are raking it in. If sitting is truly the new aging disease, should we all through away our desk, buy a treadmill and carry out walking meetings like business innovator Nilofer Merchant?


8 thoughts on “The Truth About Standing Desks | What Desk Should You Buy?”

  1. What about sitting on one of those exercise balls. It sure let’s me figget and wiggle, but my back can get tired. Is this option a good plan?

    1. Hi Marcia,

      While good in theory it is not recommended. It actually takes a very high degree of fitness and lower back stability to sit on a fitness ball for any length of time, so I do not recommend this, as it may make us more prone to injury.

      I do however recommend ‘active sitting’ and created an entire course around this concept. Sit Less Move More – Here is a discount coupon if you are interested.

      Best in posture and good question!

      Paula

  2. Due to the recent great amount of emphasis on sitting being harmful, I was beginning to wonder if sitting was ever acceptable in maintaining optimal health. Thank-you for all the tips in the video.

    1. You’re most welcome Sara – yes you are right – there always seems to be the latest in ‘fad research’. Prolonged sitting isn’t great but that doesn’t mean that prolonged standing is the answer.

      Keep wiggling!

      Paula

  3. What source is there for that standing mat? And the desk (even the used furniture place u got it from??)? Can you send a link to both? Brand name of desk?

    1. Hi Suzanne,

      No label/brand on the desk. Second hand on kijiji.com

      Anti-fatigue mats available everywhere – Staples, most DIY super stores and probably ikea too! Post a picture of what you buy – I’d love to see.

      Paula

  4. Thanks so much for this video Dr. Paula! I was getting ready to purchase a stand up desk and now rethinking I should get one like your’s which is flexible. Briefly, I am a visual artist and work at an easel (lots of active walking back and forth), and sometimes I work on a table too (not so active). I’ve raised the table by putting bed heighteners under the legs of the table so it is elevated 6″ (I’m only 5’2″). My computer desk is in my studio and when waiting for paint to dry, I swing over to the computer. Would you share the manufacturer and model of the desk and the anti fatigue matt? When I work at the table the matt would be very helpful (I lose track of time and can work standing in one position for hours). PS, how about some art for the walls in your minimal office 🙂

    1. Hello Marie,

      Your art career sounds most interesting! My mother bought the anti fatigue mat for me – no label on it i’m afraid, but they are widely available (Staples in USA/Canada) and most hardware chains.

      There is also no label on my desk – I bought it on Kijiji (second hand selling website). That is a good place to look. My desk surface area is pretty small – I’d advise a greater depth – mine is only about 60 cm front to back – not great.

      I paid $400 CDN used which is a great deal. Try to buy second hand to avoid big price tags.

      Let me know what you get.

      Paula

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