# Do you use a standing desk? Love/hate/meh? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 23, 2015, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412 "2015-02-23T14:34:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![pidgeon92](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/50afbb/32.png) [@pidgeon92](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pidgeon92)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/41 "2016-05-04T17:48:52Z")
I got a treaddesk treadmill and a standing desk about 4 years ago. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I now only sit when eating or driving. It’s helped my posture tremendously. ---
**Author:** ![edwardcoast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cab0a1/32.png) [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/42 "2016-05-04T18:00:09Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > Wife works from home on a regular basis. Most of that time is spent sitting at a computer, and she has developed what appears to be sciatica (I’m trying to get her to go see a doctor about it). > > We’re thinking about getting her a [standing desk](http://lifehacker.com/five-best-standing-desks-1528244287). On the one hand, sitting on your ass for 8 hours a day is clearly bad for you; OTOH, standing for 8 hours a day seems really uncomfortable, possibly not better for you. [These guys](http://www.focaluprightfurniture.com/) have an interesting arrangement that’s kind of hybrid: you lean on a saddle of sorts, but a good bit of weight is on your feet. > > So…anyone here use a standing desk? What are your impressions? Good? Bad? Stupid idea afterall? Life-changing? Quality hardware ain’t cheap, so I’m trying to get more information before we make a decision on what/whether to buy. She should go to a doctor, because from what I just read at the Mayo Clinic’s website, having her stand all day doesn’t sound like the best thing to do: > **[Sciatica - Symptoms and causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435)** > > Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause pain and often numbness down a leg. Self-care measures might help. Make sure she has a good ergonomic chair. A good one is going to cost around $700 like from Steelcase. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/43 "2016-05-04T18:11:09Z")
So I’m skimming through this post thread on mobile, not realizing it’s a zombie, when I read a post by a very articulate, intelligent sounding gentleman who had a standing desk experience exactly like mine. I was about to quote him with a “me too” when I realized it WAS me :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/44 "2016-05-04T18:54:47Z")
> [@edwardcoast](#): > > She should go to a doctor, because from what I just read at the Mayo Clinic’s website, having her stand all day doesn’t sound like the best thing to do: > > [Sciatica - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/basics/prevention/con-20026478) > > Make sure she has a good ergonomic chair. A good one is going to cost around $700 like from Steelcase. It’s been a year now since my OP. She’s seen a doctor; whatever she has, it isn’t sciatica. Less sitting has helped, but it hasn’t gone away completely, even with the PT that she was assigned. She has another appointment scheduled to see what else can be done. As I mentioned a few posts up, she now has an [Aeron high stool](http://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/stools/aeron-stool.html) for whenever she chooses to sit. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/45 "2016-05-04T19:03:27Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I have a standing desk. I don’t sit during the day. > > All of me feels better except the ball of my right foot. That doesn’t like it one bit. To follow up on my post from February of last year, I had to stop standing because of a really intense flare up on a Morton’s neuroma in my right foot. It took about sixth months for me to get back to a state where I could use a standing desk and by then I had changed jobs and didn’t have the option. So, I sit at a sitting desk, temporarily. I feel much better when I stand and need to get a sit-stand desk or a tall chair to use with a high desk. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/46 "2016-05-04T19:17:02Z")
> [@kferr](#): > > I finally got one about nine months ago. I’m not using it standing as much as I should but I like it. One reason I’m not standing as much as I should is that since I’m working from home I don’t put on shoes unless I need to go outside. I find standing barefoot for long periods to be uncomfortable. Have you tried a [cushioned mat](http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-881BL/Anti-Fatigue-Mats/Anti-Fatigue-Mat-5-8-thick-2-x-3-Black?pricode=WA3610&gadtype=pla&id=H-881BL&gclid=CjwKEAjwu6a5BRC53sW0w9677RcSJABoFn4sHBuBKY6dBolA31V9ZOtxskhNTfnDxtNRhspc40HLMBoCmRTw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/47 "2016-05-04T20:23:35Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > … should people who ever buy sandals also not be allowed to wear boots? 😕 > [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Oh Mighty Judge of all that is Permissible, Great Thanks for your Illumination of what is Right and True! Please, Sir, will you also tell me what to eat and drink and how else to live my life by your Ineffible Rule so that I may also be Blessed by your Wisdom? > > Stranger > [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > Why yes, this sounds like a perfectly secure and stable way to elevate hundreds of dollars of computer hardware. :rolleyes: As a result of an unexpected surplus of reasonableness this afternoon I will restate my position: If you think you want a standing desk then find some reasonably safe and inexpensive way to try out standing while you work. If you are then sure that you want a standing desk then go ahead and get one of reasonable quality. Then use it for at least a week before you decide you’d like to go back to sitting again. Above all else, if you don’t want to stand anymore don’t go sit at my desk and mess with my chair. ---
**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/48 "2016-05-04T21:08:17Z")
We have a couple of standing desks at work in a mutual area where people can plug in their laptops to give them a try. If an employee tries one a few times and thinks they want one, we’ll order one for them. I find it distracting to stand up, then sit down, then standup again while trying to work. But then again, I’m usually on the go up and down the halls all day for one thing or another. I don’t sit for long stretches at my desk. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/49 "2016-05-04T22:05:45Z")
I have a standing desk at work, with a hydraulic lift system that lets me raise or lower it as desired. To go with it, I have a padded floor mat and a regular office chair. My company offers two types of standing desk, fixed w/ a bar stool type chair, or the one I got. They explained that the bar stool chair is pretty uncomfortable so it’s not a good option for people who really work at their desk. Managers, who go to a lot of meetings all day, are a better fit for a static standing desk. With me, at my desk all day, they gave the hydraulic. I bought the floor pad after a few weeks and determining that my soles were giving out way before my legs were. > **[Amazon.com: Stanley Utility Mat, 24-Inch Long x 36-Inch Wide : Home &...](https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Utility-24-Inch-Long-36-Inch/dp/B00EJ9PVFM)** > > Buy Stanley Utility Mat, 24-Inch Long x 36-Inch Wide: Comfort Mats - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases The ergonomics specialist suggested something like 45 minutes standing and 15 minutes sitting, in rotation. I think I generally do something more like 2-3 hours standing and 1-2 hour sitting, at random. It’s nice to have the freedom to switch. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2016, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/50 "2016-05-04T22:08:14Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > As a result of an unexpected surplus of reasonableness this afternoon I will restate my position: > > If you think you want a standing desk then find some reasonably safe and inexpensive way to try out standing while you work. If you are then sure that you want a standing desk then go ahead and get one of reasonable quality. Then use it for at least a week before you decide you’d like to go back to sitting again. Above all else, if you don’t want to stand anymore don’t go sit at my desk and mess with my chair. Without making any judgment about your “unexpected surplus of reasonableness”, I’ll just observe that your statement above is in no way a restatement of your previous post, to wit: > [@TriPolar](#): > > If someone actually spends money, their own or anyone else’s, on a standing desk, that person should never be allowed to sit down again, anywhere, ever. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/51 "2016-05-05T00:54:32Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Without making any judgment about your “unexpected surplus of reasonableness”, I’ll just observe that your statement above is in no way a restatement of your previous post, to wit: > > Stranger You are missing the point entirely. Someone with a standing desk messed with my chair. ---
**Author:** ![spamforbrains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@spamforbrains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spamforbrains)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/52 "2016-05-05T01:24:58Z")
I tried a standing desk and hated it, plus most medical authorities say that standing motionless is just as bad as sitting motionless-the problem is the lack of motion, not your posture. I then tried a “bike chair” where you sit and pedal while staring at your computer and I just could not concentrate on the screen. I currently use a yoga ball and get up and walk around every 15 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/53 "2016-05-05T01:42:38Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > You are missing the point entirely. Someone with a standing desk messed with my chair. A complaint that presumably applies to approximately none of the people participating in this thread, nor reflects anything about the utility of a standing desk. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/54 "2016-05-05T06:21:21Z")
> [@spamforbrains](#): > > I tried a standing desk and hated it, plus most medical authorities say that standing motionless is just as bad as sitting motionless-the problem is the lack of motion, not your posture. I then tried a “bike chair” where you sit and pedal while staring at your computer and I just could not concentrate on the screen. I currently use a yoga ball and get up and walk around every 15 minutes. The last 8 words are good no matter what position you work in. ---
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/55 "2016-05-05T12:15:28Z")
> [@spamforbrains](#): > > plus most medical authorities say that standing motionless is just as bad as sitting motionless-the problem is the lack of motion, not your posture. Cite? Not doubting you, just would like to see more. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/56 "2016-05-05T13:42:45Z")
[This article](http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUESitStand.html) from Cornell UniversityHuman Factors and Ergonomics Research Group briefly addresses both the pros and cons of sitting and standing. Standing in place for long durations or leaning can be fatiguing and introduce new issues such as circulatory problems (carotid atherosclerosis, varicose veins), musculoskeletal disorders (neck flexion, carpal tunnel syndrome), and reduced productivity. (Note that the use of treadmill desks and the like result in reduced productivty and a potentially safety hazard.) This indicates a need for ergnomically optimized standing workstations (that is, those where the monitor and workpieces are elevated to the eyeline, the keyboard is located in a non-stressing position for the shoulders, elbows and wrists, and the work surface is neither too high or low for objects that may be manipulated frequently) as well as periodic mobility, e.g. walking around or performing moderately vigorous exercises (like squats, lunges, windmills, et cetera) every 20-30 minutes. It also indicates that for detailed or intellectually challenging work, sitting at least part of the time is necessary to maintain focus. So a standing workstation should either be elevatable or should come with an adjustable high chair for periodic use. Workers probably need to be trained and condition to follow a schedule of alternating standing and sitting to get the best benefit, e.g. with a timer. Just plunking a cardboard box on a desktop and piling monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse on top of it isn’t doing yourself any good nor wil you likely maintain that configuration for very long. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/57 "2016-05-05T13:52:10Z")
I have an adjustable height desk at work, but never use it in the standing position. I don’t like to stand. My knees get sore when I stand to do dishes, or other relatively short stints of standing in place. I’m sure it would be troublesome for me to stand all day, especially if I got engrossed in a project and didn’t move much. but… > [@susan](#): > > I can’t stand for that long, but I’m writing from a treadmill desk right now. Going 3 MPH on a 4.0 slope and grading papers online. this intrigues me. Can you say anything about brand, cost, comfort, etc. If I could get used to concentrating while walking, I think it would be really good for me. And unlike standing in place, I can walk slowly for extended periods without any discomfort. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/58 "2016-05-05T13:56:26Z")
**puzzlegal** , IANAD or your Mom, but mine found that her standing problems diminished shortly after joining a taichi group where one of the first things we were taught was to stand with our knees and hips a little bit flexed; she’ll never be comfortable standing in place but it did help. Give it a try. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/59 "2016-05-05T14:23:57Z")
Yeah, the way most people stand is even worse than how they sit; often hunched over, hips akimbo, favoring one leg, and generally introducing new and even more damaging musculoskeletal disorders. I’m still making my way through Starrett’s _Deskbound_ (mentioned upthread) but he writes extensively on what is wrong with most people’s standing posture as well as the issues of extended sitting. The solution isn’t _just_ standing up; it is maintaining good posture and exercising mobility and flexibility for good musculoskeletal and circulatory system health. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2016, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412/60 "2016-05-05T14:36:54Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > A complaint that presumably applies to approximately none of the people participating in this thread, nor reflects anything about the utility of a standing desk. > > Stranger Look, it’s just a cautionary tale. On the other hand, reading the thread shows me that the standing desk would be beneficial to many people, especially one that rises up and down and lets them vary their position and sit sometimes. So as long as they don’t mess with my chair I won’t stand in their way. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-standing-desk-love-hate-meh/713412.md?page=4)