How many calories does a standing desk burn?

Have you ever considered switching to a standing desk in an effort to be more active and burn more calories? Standing desks have become increasingly popular over the past several years, with many people touting their physical health benefits. But how much of a calorie-burning difference does standing up really make?

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at what research is saying about using a stand-up desk and how it can affect your overall calorie burn. We will also share with you the reason why you would opt for a sit stand desk, how to properly use it, and the best standing desk accessories. Now, let kick things off by sharing with you the number of calories you can burn with a standing desk.

Number of calories burned by using a standing

More convenient and less expensive than a gym, a stand-up desk is a great piece of furniture that will have you burn more calories! Indeed, not everyone has the time for 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Working in the standing position allows you to overcome this problem and allows you to lose more calories.  The number of calories burned from using a standing desk varies depending on a person's weight, age, and gender.

Generally speaking, you  can burn between 100 and 200 calories per hour when you adopt the upright position thanks to a standing position. Moreover, according to a study conducted by the University of Chester, working in the standing position for 3 hours per day cans help you burn an extra 144 calories each day (2).  Furthermore, after inspecting more than 45 studies and examining more than 1,000 people with an average age of 33 years and a weight of 63 kilograms, the Mayo Clinic researchers found that men burned 0.2 extra calories per minute while standing, while women burned 0.1 calories. This significant difference has been attributed to muscle mass, which is generally greater in men than in women.

Why would you opt for a standing desk?

Purchasing an adjustable desk has many advantages over traditional desks. A height-adjustable desk can help you stay healthy, comfortable, and productive throughout the day. Let us investigate further.

Positive impact on the body

Sedentary work is on the rise due to the increase in office work while sitting glued to a screen. Working all day in front of a computer screen is harmful to your body because the human body is more adapted to mobility. This position increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and shortens your life expectancy. Altering positions with a sit-stand desk will help you burn more calories, and your body will appreciate it.

Increased comfort

Sitting in the same position all day can quickly become tiring. If you have trouble sitting still or have back problems, a sit-stand desk may be just what you need. By alternating positions, you gain more freedom of movement, less strain, and greater comfort while working.

Enhanced productivity

Obviously, improved health and comfort lead to improved concentration and, as a result, increased productivity. This benefit, however, will not be significant for everyone. The sit-stand desk is also not a magical solution. The fewer problems you have, however, the more productive you will be.

How to Properly Use a Standing Desk

Setting up a standing desk correctly can make all the difference in maintaining good posture and reaping the benefits of working on your feet instead of slouching at a traditional desk chair. In this section, we'll discuss how to use an electric standing desk (a manual one) properly for maximum efficiency and comfort. By following these tips, you'll be able to experience improved productivity as well as health benefits from working in an upright position all day.

Stand correctly

With your feet slightly apart, the same width as your shoulders, and well anchored to the floor, your back and neck should also be straight. At first it may not feel comfortable, but after a while you will naturally adopt this position.

Start slowly

When transitioning to using a standing desk, start with one hour each day and build up over time to ensure you don’t strain your muscles or put too much pressure on your feet and joints.

Wear comfortable shoes

Standing in one spot can cause discomfort in both feet and legs so wearing sturdy shoes or investing in a good pair of insoles can alleviate some of that discomfort while providing necessary support while standing all day.

Take breaks away from the desk

 It's important to take regular breaks not just for physical reasons but mental ones as well. You can stand outside, go for a walk around the office, perform simple stretches, and more. All these small actions will help improve overall well-being associated with the benefits of an electric desk.

Set up your workspace properly

Make sure your height adjustable desk (standing desk) is at the right height. This means that your wrists and forearms should rest on your table top and your elbows should be at around a 90-degree angle. When you look ahead, the top of the screen should be at eye level. Your keyboard and mouse should be close to you and at the same level.

Surround yourself with ergonomic items

Forget the painful, hard wooden or backless chairs and opt for a more comfortable chair. Also, don't hesitate to introduce the Swiss ball into your workspace. Sitting on this ball will force you to stand up straight for balance. It will also keep your abdominal muscles moving and limit fatigue from long working hours. When sitting, you can put your feet on a footrest and when standing, put an anti-fatigue standing desk mat on the floor. This will relieve the arches of your feet. Under desk storage and under desk drawers are also great option to consider. But, don’t worry, we will cover more height adjustable desks accessories in the next section.

8 best standing desk accessories

And if you already have or are looking into getting a standing desk, then make sure you complete it with the best accessories so it’s as comfortable and helpful as possible! Here are the 8 best accessories that'll make your standing desk both functional and ergonomic.

1. Laptop Stand: If you use a laptop as your primary computer, then having a laptop stand for your standing desk can make it much more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
2. Cable Management Systems: Cable trays keep wires organised which minimises the chance of your cords being damaged due to wear and tear. They are also ensuring they don't tangle together leading to wasted time trying to untangle them.
3. Monitor Arms: Monitor arms are adjustable mounts which can be used to raise or lower the height of a computer monitor, making it easier to achieve comfortable ergonomic posture while working at a standing desk.
4. Anti-Fatigue Mat: An anti-fatigue mat is an ideal addition to any standing desk workspace as it helps to reduce strain on the feet, legs, and back allowing for improved comfort when working long hours at a standing desk.
5. Desk Lamps: Desk lamps are a great way to ensure that you have sufficient lighting for reading documents and typing away after dark without straining your eyes or causing discomfort over long periods of time spent working at your desk or stand-up station.
6. Keyboard Tray: With the proper keyboard and mouse placement, you can avoid flaring out your elbows and putting strain on your wrists from slouching over. A keyboard tray allows you to move your keyboard and mouse up or down to your preferred position while typing or mousing, providing a comfortable work experience.
7. Document Holders & Copy Stands: Displaying documents at eye level is important so that users don’t have to unsteadily tilt their heads away from monitors which can cause neck fatigue over time.
8. CPU Holder: Keep computers secure from accidental spills and falls by using CPU holders which attach beneath desks directly securing equipment so it won’t slide across its surface when.

Conclusion.  

For those looking for an alternative way to get some exercise without taking a gym break or going for a jog, standing desks are worth considering. By keeping your feet firmly on the ground instead of sitting in a chair all day, you increase your calorie burn and reap the benefits of increased blood flow. And, many studies have agreed that you can burn between 100 and 200 calories per day.