We all ought to integrate more movement into our daily lives. Easier said than done, right? Sitting down and working from a desk for eight-hours a day makes it all the more challenging. Working from home, I typically rotate between three different positions: cramped over my kitchen table, on the couch or at a library desk. But I’m about to add a fourth, as I just found the perfect home office desk – a standing desk!
Test driving several standing desks
Picture this: Jody has a brilliant story idea involving her two loves: celebrity and travel. Hunched over her laptop, she pounds out the prose, and at the exact moment a stroke of genius hits, her mid-back begs for mercy. Sadly, she is forced to abandon what surely would’ve been a People magazine worthy article.
As I’m sure you can imagine, my work posture is terrible. I rely far too much on my foam roller to work out the kinks in my back. When I found out Fitneff, a local Calgary company had a pop up shop in the Suncor building, I swooped in to see if they had any solutions for me.
If you’re like me and are a fan of the Happier in Hollywood podcast, you’ll know Liz and Sarah looove their treadmill desks. A far better solution, I think, is getting a desk attachment for your current treadmill. I took a few laps on the WalkTop Treadmill Desk and was immediately smitten. You can adjust the height and incline, so if you’re walking uphill, you can be sure you’ll get a level surface. It’s also easy to remove if you want to use your treadmill for real running.
Next I tried out the WorkFit-TL Sit-Stand Desk. These babies offer both home and office workers a lot more options. You place it onto of any flat surface and can use it as a regular desk. Or, you can raise it and transform it into a standing desk. Pretty cool, hey? Best is, it doesn’t take up any extra real estate.
How to concentrate on studies and work
I wasn’t expecting this, but I found some great options for kids and adults who have difficulty concentrating. The FootFidget is this portable device you tap your foot on. Providing a place for my nervous energy, I was able to work out my shinsplints and as a bonus, it’s good for your circulation. Stashed under your desk, it’s way more in-obtrusive than a fidget spinner.
Next, I spotted a great gift for seniors or anyone who needs to keep on top of their leg circulation. Desk pedals are like a mini elliptical minus the handlebars. Think of how many calories you can burn while watching TV or at a standing desk! Switch the position and you can pedal while sitting on the couch or a sit-down desk. Buy this for the grandparents!
Benefits of a standing desk
- The more we hunch over our computers, the worse our posture is. Those awkward positions put pressure on our shoulders, necks, upper backs, etc… The more I stand while working on my computer, the less I have to visit the chiropractor.
- Direct blood flow. When you’re standing, all your joints and muscles are getting oxygen and proper blood flow. If you want to avoid varicose veins, stop crossing your legs and stand more often.
- Stay focused and alert. Expect increased energy levels when you switch up your positioning. It’s pretty easy for me to sink back into my pillows and lazily write round-ups, but when I’m standing, I’m sharp and on it. Kind of like how I imagine the Kardashians to be, lording over their empire, but without the nasally vocal fry.
Even if a standing desk isn’t in your immediate future, consider setting a timer to take a little walk and switch your position every half hour or so.
This post presented in partnership with Fitneff. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Travels with Baggage.
Have you ever tried a standing desk? How did it work for you?
