If you work at a desk all day, you've probably felt sore, tired, or stiff. Whether you sit all day or stand too much, your body notices. It's easy to forget how long we stay in one position while working. But over time, that stillness can lead to pain, poor posture, and even health problems.
In this guide, we'll look at the real effects of standing vs sitting on your body. We'll also talk about how the right office setup — like using a sit-stand desk — can make a big difference. Whether you're working from home or setting up a shared office in the UK, this blog will help you understand what's best for your body.
Why Sitting All Day Isn't Great
Let's start with sitting. Most of us sit for long hours without even realising it. Office workers often sit 8 hours a day — sometimes even more. But is sitting that bad?
What Happens When You Sit Too Long
When you sit for a long time, especially without breaks:
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Your muscles can get stiff and weak.
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Your posture may slump, which puts pressure on your neck and back.
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Blood flow slows down, especially in your legs.
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Your energy levels drop, making you feel tired or sleepy.
Sitting isn't always harmful. But sitting too much and not moving around is where the problems begin. That's where the idea of a sit-stand desk comes in. These desks let you switch between sitting and standing easily. By changing positions throughout the day, you give your body a break from staying still. Movement is key to better posture, more energy, and less pain.
Standing Sounds Better… But Is It?
Standing desks became popular because they help reduce sitting time. But is standing all day the solution?
Not exactly.
The Truth About Standing All Day
Just like sitting too much, standing for long hours also has downsides:
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It can make your legs and feet tired.
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You might lean on one side, causing hip or back pain.
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Varicose veins can form if blood pools in your legs.
So, standing isn't perfect either. But again — the key is balance. Standing for a bit, then sitting, then standing again… that's what your body loves. That's why using an electric height-adjustable desk is such a smart idea. It lets you raise or lower your desk with just a button — no heavy lifting or awkward twisting. These desks are especially useful if multiple people use the same desk or if you want to adjust your posture quickly during the day.
Why Movement Matters Most
When we say "switch between sitting and standing," we mean: keep moving. Movement boosts blood flow, keeps joints flexible, and muscles strong. Stand during calls, stretch hourly, walk after lunch, or set a timer to switch positions. Make movement part of your daily rhythm—sit, stand, walk, repeat.
Set Up Your Desk the Right Way
Choosing the right desk is important. But so is what you pair it with. A good chair and the way you place your screen, keyboard, and mouse all matter.
If you're sitting, you need an ergonomic chair. This type of chair supports your back and helps you sit properly. It's different from regular chairs because it can be adjusted to match your body.
Features to Look for in an Ergonomic Chair:
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Adjustable height
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Lumbar (lower back) support
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Comfortable seat padding
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Armrests that support your elbows
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Swivel for easy movement
When paired with a height-adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair completes your healthy workstation. It gives your back the support it needs when you sit and helps reduce the strain that comes from poor posture.
Which Is Better — Standing or Sitting?
You might be wondering: "So, which is better — standing or sitting?"
The truth is: neither is better on its own. Too much of either one can cause problems. Your body wants variety. It wants you to move, stretch, and shift positions often. That's why a flexible setup — like a sit-stand desk, an electric height-adjustable desk, and an ergonomic chair — gives you the best of both worlds. You can sit when you're tired and stand when you need a boost in focus or energy.
What Your Body Wants
Here's what your body is saying: "Don't sit all day," "Standing nonstop isn't great either," and "I feel best when I move." Simply put, your body needs variety. Regular movement keeps you healthy and comfortable. With the right setup, staying active at work becomes easy.
Who Needs a Sit-Stand Setup?
The good news is — anyone can benefit from a flexible workspace! You might find it especially helpful if:
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You work from home and want a healthier setup.
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You're part of a shared office and need to adjust your desk often.
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You experience back or neck pain after a long day at the computer.
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You run a business and want to give your team better tools.
Whether you're buying for yourself or your team in the UK, investing in the right desk setup makes a big difference in how you feel every day.
Conclusion
Your body isn't meant to sit or stand all day—it needs variety, movement, and support. Switching between sitting and standing can ease aches, boost focus, and improve comfort. A sit-stand desk helps you stay active, while an electric height-adjustable desk makes position changes quick and easy. Add an ergonomic chair for proper support when sitting, and you've got a workspace that works with your body. With the right setup, you'll feel better every day. For flexible office solutions that prioritise your health, trust Ergo Desks.
