Standing desks have become a popular solution to reduce sitting time in the workplace, but are they effective? A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that standing for long periods doesn’t offer any significant health benefits compared to sitting. In fact, excessive standing can lead to its own set of health problems, such as low blood pressure and varicose veins.
While some research suggested that switching from six hours of sitting to standing would result in a daily calorie burn of 54 calories, this calculation is easily negated by simple activities like eating or drinking. Additionally, studies have shown that weight loss varies greatly between individuals, making it difficult to rely on standing desks as a sole solution.
The key to improving health may not be replacing one static posture with another, but rather transitioning between sitting and standing more frequently throughout the day. Research suggests that taking short breaks of 90 seconds to five minutes can make a significant difference in mediating circulation problems associated with prolonged sitting.
Instead of relying on standing desks, experts recommend incorporating multiple exercise breaks into the workday. This can be as simple as taking the stairs, marching down the hall, or doing yoga poses behind your desk every 30 minutes. By making these small changes, employees can take control of their health and reduce the risks associated with a sedentary job.
Source: https://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment-life/article562663.html