What are the Health Benefits of a Standing Desk?

One of the things that I am really slacking at is finding the time to exercise. Finding time to do it between being a full-time mum, cooking dinner, doing the housework AND working isn’t very easy at at all. The main way to get your health under control is, of course, to make meaningful, long term lifestyle changes and this isn’t just to your diet. Have you ever considered a Standing Desk? It is a great piece of desk exercise equipment.

Sitting down on the job

Prior to having Rex, I worked at my desk a lot more and, because I was sat down for most of the day I can remember feeling pretty unhealthy. I would get so involved in what I was doing that I would rarely move – unless it was to go to the bathroom or fetch myself a cup of coffee. Thankfully, I work upstairs so at least I was getting a few extra steps in thanks to the stairs! No excuse though really.

Adopting a standing desk, is definitely an investment worth looking into. This type of desk exercise equipment is encouraged by the NHS – and the health secretary uses one. Many companies will also supply them if their staff request it.

Research has found that sitting for 8 hours per day can increase the chance of premature death by an incredible 60%. After reading this, I was so pleased that I had Rex keeping me on my toes these days.  Research also shows that using a standing desk helps to increase productivity by 46%. The reason for this is that your circulation improves, making you able to focus, concentrate and burn up to 50 additional calories per hour.

If you stood for 4 hours of your working day, that is an extra 200 calories burnt, 1000 per week (Mon-Fri), or 52,000 per year. To put that in context the average calories burnt whilst running 5km is around 400 calories. So, by standing 4 hours per work day, you are burning the same calories as running two and a half 5km runs each week, or an amazing 130 x 5km runs per year, all whilst working and not actually running. Isn’t that a statistic worth knowing?!

The Varidesk Pro 36

Varidesk offer a really great range of standing desk solutions which start at £150. The most popular desk is the Varidesk Pro Plus 36.

The Varidesk Pro Plus 36 is really easy to install and doesn’t need big furniture refits. It sits on top of existing desks. It can lift up in under 3 seconds and has different settings to adjust to suit your height. It’s available in black or white and if you don’t like it within 30 days you can return it, hassle free. The Pro Plus 36 costs £365.

My thoughts

I have been envious of Ross’ electric desk for a while now but there is no way that it will fit into my office space. Plus, I need room for my photography too.

Thankfully, the Varidesk Pro Plus 36 has given me the best of both worlds. I am able to stand up and work and, when Rex is in my room with me, it also means that my computer is well away from his little hands.

I have found the Varidesk easy to install, straightforward to use and, with the health benefits it will offer me now and in the future, a great way to stay a little fitter without having to run after a toddler!

Disclosure: Thank you so much to Varidesk and their representatives for sending me this product in return for this post. Please note that all words and opinions have been formed by the owner of this blog. They have not been influenced in any way. Please do not reproduce any of the content or images on this post without prior agreement from Verily Victoria Vocalises.