I’ve had my adjustable standing desk a few weeks now and still really like it. I prefer standing to sitting until very late in the day when I just get tired.
Experiment: Standing desk
I have been standing at work for a year and one-half. After six weeks I was completely used to it.
To get started I put reams of paper under the legs of my desk. That allowed me to experiment with different heights. I ended up with 5 reams of paper under each leg.
As part of my mindfulness work I set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes and either do some stretches or leg bends or sit down and return phone calls for awhile.
Total NSV today! It is the Medieval Fair in Norman this weekend. I go pretty much every year, and every year I hobble out with some pretty bad back pain. Except this year was entirely pain free! After just a few weeks of using the standing desk my back is enough stronger that we walked the entire time without without having to sit and we walked about 50% more than usual. I am absolutely converted to standing desks now. It is that dramatic.
I am sure that having lost sixty pounds over the last two years helped too but I believe the majority of it is the desk.
Glad to hear the good news about your back @David_Driver — I don’t know if there is much science on this but I just feel that we are not evolved to sit for extended periods. I feel crappy when I do, and feel better when I stand a lot more. I’m sure for one thing we get better circulation when standing, yes?
The Jarvis Bamboo Adjustable Standing Desk was delivered yesterday. I still need to do some cleanup with all the cabling, but it is up and working.
The bamboo surface is really nice and smooth. I added a secondary shelf (from Ikea) along the back to elevate my external 28 inch monitor and provide a little more surface space. The desk moves up and down very smoothly and there are 4 programmable buttons so you can set your preferred heights.
@stacy, that is a sharp desk. Would you mind telling me how much the shipping cost?
@David_Driver The desk configuration I ordered was $699 and shipping was included.
I remember that they used to make workbenches that had mechanical screws that would raise and lower the work surface with a crank. They were used in higher end assembly work. I wonder if those are still available.
Yes, they still make them and their price starts around where the Jarvis ends. And they are mechanical so I think I am going to order a Jarvis for home.
After a week of standing instead of sitting my feet are a bit sore. As I continue to adapt and get more used to standing I expect this will fade. I’m finding it increasingly easy to eat meals, type and do many things I had only done while sitting.
One thing I didn’t expect has been a dramatic improvement in bowel transit time. I wasn’t truly constipated before, just slow, with food typically taking 3 to 4 days to make its exit after ingestion. And now it is 2 days. This is a big win for me and I’m glad this thread prompted me to try it.
I’ve have had a sit/stand desk at work for about 3 years. I love it. I did force myself to only use it in the standing position about a year and a half ago. I have back problems from a fall a few years ago, so it’s really helped with that. I don’t stand all day, but any time I need the computer, I have to stand. Which is a lot throughout the day. Don’t forget to add a cushioned mat under your feet. I have one that the office paid for (kind of thin) and added a thicker one (kitchen type) on top of the first one. That really saves your feet. Plus, I never stand still. I’m always shifting around, almost figgity (is that a word?).
One last thought, I always wear comfortable shoes to work. If I don’t for some reason I will take my shoes off.
Is it important to have some sort of ledge for a foot, like how bars have that brass rail at ground level?
Some people do but I don’t. Also some desks have a built in “fidget bar” that allows you to swing foot. I just have a standing mat.
I was getting sore feet while standing until I started using a standing mat. Here is the one I am using stand steady diplomat standing mat.
Apparently, all that standing isn’t all that great for you either… a mix of sit/stand/walk is apparently optimal for desk work.
I wear sneakers with soft soles and my feet are ok but if I had to wear dress shoes I bet I’d be looking for a mat.
I have a computer notification pop up every hour reminding me to move. I could probably turn it off now as it’s becoming habitual.