What Health Benefits Are There to Switching to a Stand Up Desk?

While most of us are happy to sit at our desks all day, what we forget is that the human body is built to work standing up. Our bodies are made to be constantly moving, not sat on a chair all day long.

Thanks to work and commuting, the average person spends ten hours a day sat down, and that’s not including sleeping. Because of this, obesity rates are rising. In the UK, 64 percent of adults are classed as being overweight or obese – that’s over half the population.

If you work in an office job, then you more than likely spend 80 percent of your day sitting down. But, have you ever considered standing up while you work instead? It might sound a little crazy, but as more people realise the health benefits of standing desks, working stood up is becoming increasingly popular.

The main reason for this, is the health benefits that come with standing up to work. Still not convinced that working while standing is for you? Then make sure to have a read of these amazing health benefits that come with a standing desk:

Reduced risk of obesity

Standing desks allow you to burn more calories throughout the day. The average person can burn between 200 and 400 extra calories a day, just by working at a standing desk. This, of course, reduces your risk of becoming overweight or obese as you are burning more calories.

The more you move, the more calories you will burn. It has been estimated that by standing up to work and moving around every so often, you could burn up to 40 percent more calories than you would when sitting down.

Reduced chance of developing type two diabetes

The health benefits of standing go far beyond obesity. According to a recent study, sitting for long periods of time is linked to reduced effectiveness for the body to regulate glucose in the bloodstream.

Being unable to regulate glucose levels is part of a disease known as metabolic syndrome. Sufferers of this condition have a highly increased risk of developing type two diabetes. Simply by standing instead of sitting, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Reduced risk of heart problems

According to research, sitting can have many detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. Studies have found that people who sit for more than three hours a day have a much higher risk of developing health problems linked to cardiovascular disease.

By choosing to stand instead of sit, you can significantly lower your risk of developing heart problems in later life. However, if the idea of standing all day sounds pretty daunting, which is can be. Have a look at getting anti-fatigue matting, as standing for more than a few hours unaided can put a massive strain on your legs.

Lower chance of developing cancer

A range of studies have suggested that people who spend more than a few hours each day sat down, have a higher chance of developing certain types of cancer. Breast and colon cancer are two forms of the disease that have been found to be linked to a lack of physical activity.

The reason people who sit for long periods are more prone to cancer is unclear. But, what we do know is that by standing instead of sitting, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer.

If you do decide to make the transition to a standing desk, it is crucial that you listen to your body. If, at first your legs become tired easily, don’t push yourself to stay standing, take a break, and then resume standing once you feel rested.