Standing desks are hot right now. What I’d like to do today is provide some recommendations regarding solutions and products available to help get your setup in a better position.
Variability is King
The body loves adapting to new stimuli. As such, neither standing nor sitting for an extended period (more than 2 hours maximum) is beneficial to our bodies. So in a perfect world, a workstation will give you options to shift and change positions with relative ease.
Mobility Routine
Even with a sound workstation, integrating regular drills into our days to counteract are biomechanically incongruent world is highly advantageous. In my Full Body Fix video program, I have designed a protocol of simple but effective exercises to address what I call “Desk Worker Syndrome.” Please consider engaging in regular activities like these to help prevent work related aches and pains.
(15 sec Preview of the “Desk Worker Syndrome” Protocol)
Ergonomic Evaluation
A few notes on this self-evaluation picture. You have to get the seat height right first, then adjust from there. For example, if your seat height is correct (as to get your arms in neutral), but your feet don’t touch the ground – get a foot rest.
One of the most common problems I see when doing in office ergonomic evaluations is that the chair’s arm rests are at an improper height. They are too high and block you from being able to slide under the desk into proper position. Or they are too low and cause you to lean and slouch.
Products Recommendation
Again, my number one recommendation is to create a setup that is variable. We are not designed to sit (or stand) for hours at a time, no matter how good the chair or anti-fatigue mat is. There are options, depending on your current situation. But typically, if you already have a desk, you’d want to look at a decent chair and invest in something that can easily allow you to stand at as well.
Often this requires a simple desk top converter to rest a laptop / keyboard on and also allows for proper monitor position. This way you can sit and work for a little while, then stand for a bit, then sit and so on
If you don’t already have a desk, consider looking into one that has easy to use height adjustments built in.
Variety is the key to staying pain free!
Standing Desk Conversion Options – Use your existing desk with one of these
Veridesk Pro 30 – Rugged design that gives you the option of collapsed or standing. $375
X-Elite – Slightly less robust, still effective, mid price $289
UpTrak – a little more fuss, for a lot less cash $170
Full Convertible Desks
Calico Designs 51240 – Basic height adjustable work station (29-41″ height). $190
Luxor Cf48 – Sturdy and adjustable with a larger work surface from (29-42″ height). $400
Desk Chairs
Hon HVL 541 – With Adjustable Arm Rest. – $149
Hon HVL511 – Fixed Arm rest, but great price right now – $106
Hon HVL 210 – Super simple, comfy and affordable for desks that won’t work with arm rests. – $89
Miscellaneous
Fidget Bar – while standing, use this to move, stand supported and, well fidget. $75
Yours in Health,
Dr. Scott
Note: I’m not sponsored to endorse these. They’re just recommendations. If you do click through on the link, I will get a (VERY) small referral commission from Amazon Associates which helps keep the majority of this blog free!
Stop chasing pain and wasting your time! Snag my complete Video Rehab Program The Full Body Fix and take $10 off with a subscriber only coupon and grab my Free Warm Up Manual while you’re at it! I even have a full “DESK WORKER SYNDROME” protocol!
Last modified: April 8, 2018
I'm Dr. Scott A. Mills and I'm a chiropractor in San Francisco who creates resources for athletes and everyday people to eliminate pain and improve the way you move.