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What is a standing desk?
A standing desk is a desk designed for use while standing upright, rather than a traditional desk that is used when sitting. Traditional seated desks are often made to a standardised fixed height, but standing desks can be made in a number of different heights to suit individual users. Standing desks are also built in many styles and can be specialised to suit particular tasks such as computer use, telephoning and architectural drawing. It may seem as though the standing desk is a relatively new invention, but they have been used for over 150 years. Historical figures including Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill are reported to have used specially made desks for writing while standing upright.What are the benefits of a standing desk?
Many of those that have an office-based job spend the majority of their working day sitting down. Most working adults are more sedentary on weekdays than the average 75-year-old, and two-thirds of office workers sit at their desks for more than 6 hours each day. This is a major problem because a sedentary lifestyle has been shown to contribute to a multitude of health issues including increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease, the latter being one of the biggest causes of death in the world. Thankfully, standing desks offer a low-risk and cost-effective way of reducing the amount of time a typical office worker is sedentary during the work day and thus helping to reduce the probability of encountering any of the serious health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. Below, we have more explicitly outlined the potential health and productivity benefits of investing in and regularly using a standing desk.5 potential benefits of using a standing desk:
1. Improve your mood and energy levels One study found that participants who used a standing desk reported feeling less stress and fatigue than those who sat down for the day.Moreover, 87% of participants reported increased energy levels when using a standing desk.Being inactive can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, but standing desks may reduce feelings of stress and fatigue, while boosting mood and energy levels. 2. Reduce back pain Office workers who spend most of their day sitting often complain of back pain, but several studies have shown that using standing desks can dramatically decrease back pain associated with sitting down for a prolonged time. 3. Lower your risk of heart disease
Sitting down for long periods of time is thought to increase the risk of heart disease by up to 147%.Even doing an hour of intense exercise may not combat the negative health impact of sitting down all day. By using a standing desk, you can spend more time on your feet and cut your risk of developing heart disease. 4. Lower your blood sugar levels One study found that compared to workers who sat down after lunch, those who stood up for 180 minutes reduced the spike in their blood sugar by 43%.
Excessive time spent being inactive increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a huge 112%, so using a standing desk is a great way to reduce this risk and keep your blood sugar under control.5. Boost your productivity A study found that using a standing desk had no negative impacts on productivity. Considering using a standing desk can improve mood and energy levels, it may also help to boost your productivity too.
How standing desks are positively impacting well-being in UK workplaces
Jack Bird, content specialist ? Add People“After suffering a herniated L5 S1 while training for strongman competitions, I researched what could help my rehabilitation. My body takes a beating on a daily basis thanks to my sport and the intense weightlifting it involves, so I always hurt one way or another; anything that can help relieve that, on top of the pain associated with blowing you back out, while still ‘doing life’ was a must.
“I eventually found that standing desks would help with my pain, so decided to take the plunge. As a web designer, I tend to spend 8 hours a day sitting at my desk, so originally it was weird to adapt to, buy my spine felt the benefits soon enough. It also never impacted my productivity which is important to me.
“I don?t use a standing desk any more but I?d say it was an essential tool, and now I choose reclined seating looking up at my workstation.”
Chieu Cao, co-founder ? Perkbox
“With employees often spending up to a third of their day sitting at their desk at work it’s no surprise that standing desks are becoming more popular. It’s since our office move earlier this year that we have seen a huge amount of requests come through for standing desks here at Perkbox, in fact, we now even have a waiting list for them!
“Many employees favour using them over seated desks because they’re helping them improve their posture and increasing their energy. We’re happy to support our employees in this way – it if helps them, it helps us. Soon we think it will become a company-wide practice.”
Tony Smith, managing director ? Companydebt.com
?We implanted standing desks in the last few years, in an effort to promote better employee wellness, and of course productivity. It?s been an overwhelmingly positive experience with our team members reporting better posture, fewer body aches, as well as a real appreciation for having their needs taken care of.
“In general, I feel productivity has increased as a result, because team members have felt empowered to take control of their own workflow.?
What are the different types of standing desks?
There are many different types of standing desks available with a variety of different features and functions. Below are the most common types of standing desks. ? Fixed standing desks Fixed standing desks are standing desks that have a fixed height and cannot be adjusted. Since there are no complex moving parts, designers are able to incorporate useful features like drawers or bookshelves. The main feature of fixed standing desks is the design, so they can often look more ?stylish? than standing desks that can be adjusted. ? Sit/stand desks Sit/stand desks come in a range of styles and offers the best of both worlds: you can use it while sitting down or standing up, giving complete flexibility. Sit/stand desks can be freestanding, or you can convert your current desktop to a sit/stand desk. Sit/stand desks that convert your current desktop often integrate a computer monitor stand and a keyboard tray to make an ergonomic workstation when you are sitting down or standing up. ? Electronic standing desks Electronic standing desks have all the benefits of sit/stand desks, but you don?t have to adjust the height manually ? you can adjust the height of your standing desk electronically at the touch of a button. Sit/stand desks that convert your current desktop can look bulky, but electronic standing desks can look very sleek and professional, which fits well in a modern office.How to use and properly stand at a standing desk


What is the best height for a standing desk?
Positioning the height your standing desk correctly is extremely important to maximise comfort and reduce any risk of injury. To get the best height for a standing desk, start by setting the desk at elbow height so your elbows are positioned 90 degrees from the floor. Your screen should be positioned 20 to 28 inches (51 to 71cm) from your face and the top of the screen should sit at eye level, with a small upward tilt of 10 to 20 degrees. If you do not have a measuring tape to hand, the rule of thumb for your screen position is no less than the distance from your elbow to the tip of your middle finger. Since people are a range of different heights and there are so many different types of desk available, you can use this handy calculator to work out the optimum height for your standing desk.Best standing desks available in the UK
We have discussed the benefits of standing desks and how to set up your standing desk, but which standing desks are best? Let?s look at the best standing desks that are currently available in the UK.Standing desks product comparison table
Below is a neat table that summarises the adjustable height, width and maximum load of the standing desks we have reviewed below.Product name | Adjustable height | Adjustable width | Maximum load |
SitStand Pro Electric Standing Desk | 65cm - 125cm | 116cm - 176cm | 100 KG |
DeskPro 1 | 70cm - 117cm | 120cm - 180cm | 66 KG |
Yo-Yo Desk Pro 2+ | 61cm - 126cm | 5cm - 150cm | 100 KG |
DeskRise SPS3 | 65cm - 130cm | 110cm-180cm | 120 KG |
Conset 501-25 Electric Frame | 66cm - 116cm | - | 80 KG |
Bekant Sit/Stand Desk | 65cm - 125cm | 120cm | 70 KG |
Skarsta Sit/Stand Desk | 70cm - 120cm | 120cm | 50 KG |
1) SitStand Pro Electric Standing Desk

- Adjustable height: 65cm to 125cm
- Adjustable width: 116cm to 176cm
- Maximum load: 100kg
- Fully motorised with push control buttons.
- Wipe-clean surface.
- Desktops are resistant to chipping, scratches and dents.
- UV-resistant lacquer means the colour won?t fade, even in the sun.
2) DeskPro 1

- Adjustable height: 70cm to 117cm
- Adjustable width: 120cm to 180cm
- Maximum load: 66kg
- Single electric motor allows you to adjust the height at the touch of a button.
- Adjustable central beam allows the frame to be extended.
- Low energy consumption.
- Cable tray available as an optional extra.
3) Yo-Yo Desk Pro 2+

- Adjustable height: 61cm to 126cm
- Adjustable width: 5cm to 150cm
- Maximum load: 100kg
- Free digital display with 3 memory settings.
- Adjust the height at the touch of a button.
- Dual motors with Silent Motion ? technology ? smooth and silent adjustment.
- Low energy consumption.
- Excellent stability: reinforced steel feet & adjustable foot pads.
- Anti-collision technology protection system.
- Cable tray included as standard.
4) DeskRise SPS3

- Adjustable height: 65cm to 130cm
- Adjustable width: 110cm to 180cm
- Maximum load: 120kg
- Memory function with digital display stores and retains height settings for four positions.
- Adjust the height at the touch of a button.
- Anti-collision technology protection system.
- Dual motors.
5) Conset 501-25 Electric Frame

- Adjustable height: 66cm to 116cm
- Suitable for desks 160cm wide
- Maximum load: 80kg
- Smooth electric height adjustment.
- Standard desk shapes and sizes available to choose from.
- Custom made desks are also available.
6) Bekant Sit/Stand Desk

- Adjustable height: 65cm to 125cm
- Width: 120cm
- Maximum load: 70kg
- Electronically controlled height adjustment.
- Built-in cable management.
- Wipe-clean surface.
7) Skarsta Sit/Stand Desk

- Adjustable height: 70cm to 120cm
- Width: 120cm
- Maximum load: 50kg
- Adjustable feet
- Wipe-clean surface
Best standing desk mats
Desk mats, or anti-fatigue mats, are often used in jobs that require long periods of standing. You may want to consider purchasing a standing desk mat with your standing desk, as they may help to reduce discomfort associated with standing for longer periods of time by encouraging subtle movements of your leg muscles and improving blood flow. But which are the best standing desk mats you can buy in the UK? Below we summarise some of the key specs of the best standing desk mats into a neat, easy to read table, before we provide a more?in-depth review of all desk mats.Product name | Dimensions (inches) | Available colours |
Topo by Ergodriven | 26.2 x 2.7 x 29 | Obsidian Black, Altostratus Grey, Denim Blue and Mulberry Purple |
SkyMat | A) 20 x 32 x ¾ B) 20 x 39 x ¾ C) 24 x 70 x ¾ | Brick Red, Burgundy, Dark Blue, Gray, Green Ombre, Light Brown, Midnight Black, Milk Chocolate, Brown, Indigo Blue |
TerraMat Standing Desk Mat | 29.8 x 27.5 x 2.5 | Black |
1) Topo by Ergodriven

- Product dimensions: 26.2 x 2.7 x 29 inches
- Available in: Obsidian Black, Altostratus Grey, Denim Blue and Mulberry Purple
- Cushioned terrain drives subconscious movement
- Easily positioned with just one foot
2) Sky Mat

- Available in 3 sizes: 20 x 32 x ? inches, 20 x 39 x ? inches, 24 x 70 x ? inches
- Available in 10 colours: brick red, burgundy, dark blue, grey, green ombre, light brown, midnight black, milk chocolate, brown, indigo blue
- A blend of support and softness for standing all day in the kitchen or office
- Advanced beveled edge and super non-slip bottom to prevent tripping
- Lifetime replacement promise
- Modern look that easily wipes clean
3) TerraMat Standing Desk Mat

- Product dimensions: 29.8 x 27.5 x 2.5 inches
- Available in: Black?
- Featured on Forbes and The Huffington Post
- Thicker than most standing desk mats
- Slides easily under a desk
- Can be positioned with just one foot
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