The video below is an update on the original post. At the time of the video’s recording, I had been standing for 5 years.
About me: I build Power 20, a suite of mobile exercise apps.
It has now been two years since I started using a standing desk at work. No matter how long my workday is, I stand at my computer. This means some days I stand over 10 hours, with the only breaks being when I nap, eat, or meditate.
I don’t have before and after blood tests or other objective metrics, but here’s my subjective experience. I cannot attribute all these changes to standing; I do a Power 20 workout every day. Nonetheless, I stand more than any other activity, so it probably shapes my body more than anything else.
Some things that I feared would happen did not actually happen.
- I didn’t develop any knee, foot, back, or hip pains.
- I don’t feel exhausted at the end of the day or week.
- My productivity and ability to concentrate did not go down.
What did happen:
- My posture improved. My neck and shoulders no longer pitch forward.
- My legs became more muscular.
- I no longer get back pain.
- My work day involves a lot more movement.
Side Effects:
- Negative: Sitting for more than 2 hours at a time is now mildly uncomfortable.
- Positive: I get less frustrated when standing in lines or on the subway. I bet half the frustration of standing in line is caused by the fatigue of standing. I have none of that now.
Adjustments I made over the 2 years:
- I used to stand on a thick pad wearing shoes with extra-padded soles. Now, any shoes will do, and no floor pad is needed.
- I raised my computer 5 inches higher than when I first started because I was bending my head too far forward. My keyboard is now at chest level and my eyes are looking slightly downward at about 105º.
- Instead of taking sitting breaks, I now take jumping-around breaks. A few hops actually revitalize my legs better than sitting down does.
Overall it has been wonderfully positive. After two years of doing it, I still heartily recommend a standing desk. Specifically, the Furinno laptop stand. You can get one here.