Standing desks are hot right now (with various sources telling us that sitting is the new smoking). If you’d like to try one, the most customizable option is a motorized sit-stand desk. Karen Tkaczyk uses one, and she demonstrated it in this blog post. Another option is a VariDesk that sits on top of a standard desk.
I recently moved to a new co-working office and the desks have a really easy sit-stand option, where the desk surface is permanently set at standing height and you use a tall chair or stool, moving yourself (rather than the desk surface) when you want to change positions. Here’s my desk:
At first I was a bit skeptical about the stool, but it’s actually working out really well. It’s just uncomfortable enough that I get up for a few minutes every hour and go get some tea or run a quick errand; it’s not hellishly uncomfortable (and it forces me to sit up straight), but it’s also not the kind of thing you snuggle into for a four-hour stretch.
I think that my new desk is an Ikea Linnmon/Finnvard, which, at US $109, is certainly an affordable option. Just make sure to get a nice hard stool to go with it!
Thank you for this information, Corinne. This is is very vital for us, always-sitting translators, as we often get so involved in a project, or so pressed for time that we cannot afford “wasting time” on walking around and exercising.
I’ve been dreaming of something like this! I work for an organization that’s part of the French national education system and standing desks are not even on their radar. I’ve asked a few times and finally just piled some cardboard boxes on top of my desk, which amuses my co-workers to no end. I tend to stand in the afternoon to get over the after-lunch urge to snooze.
IKEA now has a hand-crank sit-stand desk. Not many reviews available on the internet, though!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49084965/
Interesting!!
I switched to a standing desk in April and have seen a definite increase in stamina, but something else I never expected… a significant increase in productivity. When I’m standing in front of my screen I find that its much easier to remain focused and on task.
Same here! I’m less likely to browse Facebook or get off task when I’m standing. I’m also much more mobile. If I’m trying to solve a problem, I’ll pace a little or do some stretches, and it’s less disruptive to my train of thought.