Standing vs. Sitting at Work: Which Is Better?
Is Standing Better Than Sitting?
In an office environment, most people typically sit at a desk for many consecutive hours. As anyone who has worked in an office has probably noticed, sitting for long periods every day has negative effects on physical health and energy levels, which in turn affects productivity.
Why Sitting All Day Isn’t Recommended
Doctors have been encouraging us for years to adopt less sedentary lifestyles. In fact, if you look at the most common health problems in North America, you’ll find that it maps pretty well to the list of reasons not to sit all day. Commonly known side effects of sitting include:
- Higher chance of weight gain
- Higher chance of heart related diseases
- Higher chance of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Higher chance of back and muscle pain
Sit and Stand to Feel Your Best
Standing all day isn’t the solution, either, especially if you’re tethered to a desk. Standing all day can cause lower back and leg pain, increased risk of blood clots in your legs, and venous diseases. Moderation is the key. A mixture of both sitting and standing is ideal for most people, as it relieves muscle pressure, encourages energy levels to rise, and keeps blood flowing properly.
Levels of Productivity: Standing vs. Sitting
Studies have shown that productivity levels are impacted when workers are standing vs. sitting, and that increased standing time for sedentary workers leads to higher performance. In one study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers found that workers assigned a height adjustable standing desk reported higher levels of work engagement, quality of life, and job performance than their sedentary coworkers. These benefits could stem from the fact that sitting leads to reduced blood flow throughout the body and brain, whereas standing provides better blood flow, and therefore increased focus.
Do You Burn More Calories Standing Than Sitting?
Standing activates more muscles than sitting, so standing actually does burn more calories. The difference is not significant, but like many benefits, it adds up over time. Many people find that standing at a desk motivates them to move mor and burn even more calories. For a little extra calorie burning, incorporate some standing desk exercises that can be completed while standing into your workday.
More Benefits of Standing Desks
Beyond health and productivity benefits, workers report a number of other benefits of standing desks, including:
- Comfortability – Because you can adjust the desk to the exact right ergonomic height for either posture, a height adjustable desk offers maximum comfort.
- Versatility – A height adjustable standing desk gives you the best of both worlds – sitting and standing. Having the opportunity to change positions whenever you begin to feel uncomfortable helps people who are affected by musculoskeletal pain.
- Mobility – Adding casters to a standing desk allows you to move it throughout the office as needed.
Power-free. Ultra-fast. Built to move.
Our pneumatic desks raise and lower in under 3 seconds—eight times faster than typical electric desks—with no need for power. They’re ideal for dynamic environments or cord-free setups. Add casters to move them effortlessly from one room to another.
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The Klöud
Our most advanced pneumatic desk, the Klöud features a weight-adjustable mechanism that supports loads from 60 to 150 lbs. A German-engineered counterbalance system ensures smooth, level movement—even with uneven weight distribution. Choose from two surface sizes (48″ and 60″) in five finishes, including real beechwood. -
The Nimbus
The Nimbus shares the Klöud’s steel frame and counterbalance design but with fixed weight assistance (~140 lbs). Ideal for users with a consistent desk setup (e.g., laptop, monitor, keyboard). Offered with a 30″x60″ surface in laminate or real wood finishes. -
The Lüften
Designed for larger workstations, the Lüften features twin columns with a reinforced pneumatic lift. Best for heavier desktop setups up to 50 lbs. Includes a 60” work surface with a floating-style frame. -
The Ändern Pneumatic
A compact, single-column desk that excels in minimalist or small office setups. Perfect for laptops or light-duty monitors. Available in 24″x40″ and 30″x48″ sizes. -
The Möbel Table
Our lightest desk at just 17 lbs, the Möbel is a height-adjustable side table or mobile laptop station. With a 35-lb capacity, it’s ideal for compact spaces, reading nooks, or work-from-anywhere setups. - Shop All Standing Desks
Take a Seat with the Alta Sella Standing Desk Chair
The Alta Sella chair takes ergonomic adjustability to new heights. With an adjustable range from 23” to 31” at the seat, you can position this chair along with your desk to your perfect sitting height, or raise it to your standing height and use it for an occasional rest. With a height adjustable desk and chair, your options are virtually unlimited. The benefits of this chair include:
- Tall office chair: The Alta Sella is a height-adjustable task stool that can be adjusted high enough to allow an occasional rest at a standing height desk.
- Easily adjustable: An easy pull handle makes height adjustments simple and intuitive.
- Versatile: This easy-to-move chair on wheels is ideal for height adjustable standing desks and collaborative spaces.
- Durable: This rugged office chair holds up to 300 lbs.
- Comfortable: The Alta Sella features a cushiony molded foam seat with comfortable meshing. Adjustable lumbar support ensures an ergonomic fit to keep your back supported throughout the day.
- Stylish: The Alta Sella comes in two sleek colors – black or white – to complement your office.
Optimize Your Time at Work with Adjustable Desks
For those of us who spend at least 40 hours a week at our desks, most of us could benefit from a little more time standing vs sitting at work. For a healthier and more productive work day, try a standing desk risk free for 30 days. You’ll never look back.
