If you’re like lots of Americans, including us, you spend a whole lot of time sitting at a desk during your work day. (Hey, we’re busy!) And while many people have heard of standing desks, when you start to check out all the health and wellness benefits they offer, it’s actually surprising how few of us actually own one or ask our employers to get us one.
That’s why we’re pleased to welcome our newest sponsor Fellowes, makers of the Lotus DX Workstation, a smart choice for both employers and those of us work-at-home folks who want a functional, healthier workspace.
What we really love is that it allows you to actually convert whatever desk you already own into a smart, sit-stand workstation. No assembly required, no huge investment. How awesome is that?
So on their behalf, we researched 5 surprising benefits of standing desks — they even surprised us!
Whether you spend your time sitting at a desk in an office, or at your kitchen table at home, take a read and see if you think it’s time to make a change. And hey, they’re great for kids too.
Don’t miss the awesome giveaway, below!
1. Standing desks can improve your overall health: Blood sugar, obesity risk, even cancer.
You’ll find no shortage of studies that say sitting for long periods of time is not good for your health, like this research that was presented at the American Institute for Cancer Research conference. Long periods of sitting have been linked to breast and colon cancer (yikes), as well as increased risk for obesity and blood sugar issues.
Keep in mind that these studies describe the problems with sitting, not necessarily the benefits of standing. But if you’re sitting for most of your day, it’s not a big leap to think about how to get on your feet more — and that’s something a standing desk can help you achieve without even changing your work routine.
2. You can improve your posture. Yes you, the person slumped over your computer reading this.
We’ve heard that the pervasive slump in front of the computer is now described as the “American Battlecry.” Ouch. And yet, it’s pretty spot on. For many of us, our posture has grown increasingly worse over the years due to the many hours we now spend looking down at a computer screen. (Do we need to commiserate over our chiropractor bills?)
One of the easiest ways to help alleviate posture issues is to be sure your computer is situated at face height, with your keyboard raised up. That’s something that a standing workstation like the Lotus DX Workstation can fix easily. Of course you do need to ensure you’re using proper standing posture at a standing desk too — that’s up to you!
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About our sponsor
With the Fellowes Lotus DX Workstation, you can turn any desk into a sit-stand.
While the sleek waterfall design neatly holds your monitor and keyboard, the Lotus DX Workstation does so much more. USB ports offer you the ability to connect your monitor and keyboard, while wireless Qi charging handles all your mobile devices. Plus, it provides plenty of room for notepads, your coffee mug, a pen or two, a stapler, or whatever you need to maximize your space and get the job done.
With 22 different height settings including 17 inches of vertical adjustment, you can adjust your workstation to best suit your height. And you’ll even get protection against bacteria with Microban antimicrobial production.
Best of all, there’s no need to purchase any other equipment or find a ton of new space to accomodate a large standing desk. After over 100 years in office design, Fellowes has designed the Lotus DX Workstation to allow you to affordably convert any existing desk into a standing workstation, so easily — it even comes fully assembled.
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3. You burn calories. (Though it’s not the same as a walking a mile.)
You may have heard that you burn more calories at a standing desk than a traditional sitting desk, and it’s true. That’s what one Harvard Medical School website editor revealed, thanks to 2016 research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
Now admittedly, the difference between merely sitting and standing is just 8 calories. However, you’re much more likely to move around, squat, stretch, reach, and walk if you’re at a standing desk.
So while standing while you work may only help you burn a few more calories, it does give you up to the opportunity to burn a whole lot more than you might when you’re stuck in a chair with a limited range of motion. Especially if you’re more likely to walk around from time to time, which is where the real calorie-burning comes in.
4. A standing desk can offer pain relief: Back, neck, legs…the list goes on.
If you suffer from back, neck or leg pain, you have probably heard (or learned first-hand) that sitting can exacerbate your symptoms. That’s why why those people who experience frequent pain often respond so positively to switching to a standing position while they work.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, have a short term condition (we remember that pregnancy sciatica, ugh), or are dealing with chronic back or leg pain, a standing desk can be a smart way to help you increase movement and flexibility and work more ergonomically, to help you avoid additional strain.
5. You may live longer. Seriously.
If you’re not convinced just yet about the health benefits of standing desks, you’ll definitely want to read about this study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine that’s summarized on the Harvard Medical School blog. Because, wow.
The line that grabbed us: “The more hours women in the study spent sitting at work, driving, lying on the couch watching TV…the greater their odds of dying early from all causes, including heart disease and cancer.”
Yikes.
So while standing is not a replacement for exercise, a standing desk can be an incredibly practical option that helps get us off our bottoms, standing and moving — especially for those of us who sometimes find ourselves too busy at work to just…get up.
Thanks to our sponsor Fellowes for making an affordable sit-stand workstation for all of us who are stuck behind a desk for work and need an affordable, compact solution to help get us on our feet!
And of course, we’re not doctors and this is not to be taken as medical advice; if you’ve got health concerns, always be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your routine.
Win a Lotus DX Workstation of your very own! Simply head over to the Fellowes website, check it out, then tell us your favorite feature of the Workstation here in the comments. That’s it! Enter by Friday, May 4, 2018, 11:59pm PDT. Void where prohibited, 18+, US residents only, one entry per person. You can see our general giveaway rules here.
My favorite feature is that it has 22 different height settings! Perfect for all of the family to use.
The built in charching station is brilliant! This looks like the most functional desk around!
Favorite feature is the built in wireless charging pad! Such a good idea!
Wireless charging station!
I am super thankful that it comes fully assembled. I am the absolute WORST with following build instructions 🙂 I also love the USBs included.
I like how it’s so adjustable – so it can work for many sizes.
I have been working with a standing desk on the TV shows I work on. I always ask for one. I would love to have one at home. The things I like about this standing desk is the different height settings, and the phone charger!
The wireless charging stand is brilliant.
That it arrives fully assembled.
My favorite feature is the cable management. No having to worry about the cords getting pinched as the desk is raised and lowered.
Sitting for 2 hours cancels out 20 minutes of exercise. I don’t want any of my exercise minutes cancelled out unless its for something delicious!!
I love the simplistic design. It fits in with an average desk nicely.
I love the level of customizing available for the height — whatever shoes you’re wearing, it will still work.
Arrives fully assembled so I don’t have to worry about putting it together. Also, 22 different height settings because I am taller!
The wireless charging is a great feature
A built in charging station – yes please! Definitely my fave feature! ❤️
love the cord management!
No tools required for assembly! That makes it sound like it’ll be easy to install. Thank you for the chance to win!
Ooo, wireless charging! Love it 🙂
My favorite features are the charging stations and the USB ports! (This is of course with the exception of the obvious one — the ability to move from sit to stand — that’s REALLY the best feature).
I Like the “Smooth Lift” technology to make an easy transition from sitting to standing.
I love the charging station! That’s my favorite feature. 🙂
My favorite feature is that it has 22 different height settings and 17” of vertical adjustment.
The Smooth Lift Technology™ is my favorite feature because it is important to vary your position throughout the day.
My favorite feature is earning “points” on my Apple Watch for extra standing hours!
“22 different height settings and 17” of vertical adjustment” are my favorite features of the Lotus DX Workstation 🙂
I also love that it offers pain relief that helps us live longer 🙂
Thank You for the chance!!
The wireless charging is my favorite feature!
The ability to move the entire workspace freely is great!
Oh, this would be SOOO nice to have. My back, neck and legs would be SOOO grateful!
Anything that purports to help with back pain (and I know a lot of my issues comes from my desk chair) sounds good to me!
I hate germs so I’ll go with the fact that it contains Microban® antimicrobial technology for powerful, continuous product protection against bacteria.
I love that it features 22 different height settings and 17” of vertical adjustment since my husband and I share a computer but we are 6 inches different in height.
I love the way the mechanism effortlessly raises and lowers to your specific height needs.
The wireless charging is amazing, but I also love that it’s portable; I work from home and like to change up my environment, so being able to use it in different rooms without hiring a moving company would be a game changer.
The wireless charging and the way we can keep our phone propped up!!!! Wow!!!
I like that its does not require that I replace my whole entire desk to get the features of a sit stand desk.
I love that it comes fully assembled and adjusts differently between positions.
It’s hard to pick just one feature. I think all the different settings is the best. So practical and user-friendly!
I love the cord control feature and it being antimicrobial. The fact that it has all the health benefits and it keeps the workspace organized and clean is ideal for me. I work at a WIC department and have to stand a lot because we are at desks all day helping clients.
22 different height settings?! Amazing! I need that.
I love the 22 different height settings, but, I’m not going to lie, fully assembled? YES PLEASE!
Everything about the sit-stand workstation is awesome–two thumbs up to the design team who created this. However, what knocks it out of the park for this super busy mom is that it comes FULLY ASSEMBLED!!!
Love the Microban! And that apparently a cup of coffee can fit on the desk!
I like that it has 22 different height stations, is microbiobial, and comes already assembled! I’d really enjoy owning this desk!
Being that I am “vertically challenged”, I love that it features 22 different height settings and 17” of vertical adjustment. Also, as a teacher I love that it contains Microban® antimicrobial technology for powerful, continuous product protection against bacteria…because kids love to touch my desk and they do not love washing their hands.
The wireless charging station and USBs galore are awesome!
A few of my favorite features:
Features 22 different height settings and 17” of vertical adjustment
Innovative cord management with rear USB ports for your keyboard and mouse allows your entire workspace to move freely
Integrated 2-port USB charging station also features wireless charging for Qi-enabled devices
Arrives fully assembled; BIFMA Tested; Holds up to 35 lbs.
I love that the monitor and keyboard can be easily connected through USB ports and the wireless Qi charging handles all mobile devices. Woot Woot!!!!My only question will be whether the length can be adjusted as well to accommodate more than one monitor?
I love that it has a 17″ adjustment range, thanks for sharing this!
The Smooth Lift Technology™ is my favorite feature!
Wireless charging pad was a great addition, not to mention it comes already assembled.
I like the different height settings – perfect for us “vertically challenged” professionals. 🙂
The Fellowes Lotus DX Workstation is form and function! It has a beautiful sleek design along with smart features – I really love that it will be able to adjust to my needs. My arms are always bent at the wrong angle for my computer causing intense shoulder and neck pain. This desk solves that problem and, bonus, it helps me stay healthier (stop sitting!) at the same time. Perfect for a multi-tasking working mom who needs to keep her business and family running!
I love that is can adjust to different heights AND that it comes fully assembled!!
I like how it’s the entire desk that raises instead of just a small area for the keyboard/mouse.
It has an integrated charging station! And I definitely need some “cord management” in my workspace…
I love the different height settings and the charging station.
Wow! I love that I can use it on my existing desk and don’t need a whole new desk!
The built-in charging station is a great feature!
Do I have to name just one favorite feature!? I like the fact that it uses Smooth Lift Technology to make changing positions easy. I like that this would keep me off my tush at work 🙂
I love that I can use my existing desk and that the height is adjustable if there are other people who need to use my computer.
My favorite features are the 22 different height settings, the 17″ of vertical adjustment and the Microban antimicrobial technology.
I love the multiple settings and the fact that they are easy to adjust from one to another! Looks awesome. Thanks.
I love that I could share this with other family members who are taller or shorter than I am!
The waterfall edge and the adjustability!
I love the look of this stand! I like that the charging pad is at an angle so you can read what pops up on your phone without having to pick up your phone. My fingers can keep flying across the keyboard and I can read that text from my mom without pausing. Brilliant! And I like that it has Smooth up-and-down technology so that I can do it all by myself even though I’m only 5’2″.
I think that the nearly vertical space (including the wireless charging pad) would be very useful for keeping notes or your phone propped where you can read it while working.
I love that it has an angled surface between the keyboard level and the monitor level. Such a better way to use the space and a great way to have a home location for your cell phone or when you have notes that you need to copy.
It arrives fully assembled! (and looks very cool)
The differant height dimensions and the sleek design! Perfect for my whole family to use and make work easier on my bad back!
So many smart design features, it’s hard to pick just one favorite — but effortless changing of the entire workstation’s height is a dream come true (coming fully assembled is pretty awesome too).
Love the sleekness!
The variety of height options. Nice!
Smooth lift techology and already assembled! 🙂
22 options for height adjustments since I am very short and my husband is very tall!
The many heights and that it’s easy to move! (Plus the built in charging.)
Just the thought of being healthy or being able to acquire better health and/or habit—imagine having to be at the desk for at least 8-10 hours a day!—as a user of such a standing desk would have been enough of a main sell for me, let alone having awesome features like—my Top 3—adjustable heights, wireless charging function, and the portability of it.