The history of the sit-stand desk goes back to the 19th century, when the first adjustable desks were designed. However, these desks were often heavy and clumsy and were mainly used in factories and industrial settings.
In the 60s and 70s, more and more studies were conducted into the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on health. This led to the development of the first sit-stand desks for home and office use. However, these desks were often expensive and limited in adjustment options.
In recent decades, more and more attention has been paid to the health benefits of working in a more active posture, such as working while standing. This has led to the development of more affordable and user-friendly sit-stand desks for home and office use. Today there are several models available, including electrically adjustable desks, which can be easily adapted to the needs of the user.
There are several reasons why people choose a sit-stand desk:
It is important to know that standing work is not suitable for everyone, such as people with certain medical problems or pregnant women. It is therefore important to consult a doctor or physiotherapist if you are considering purchasing a sit-stand desk.
Manually adjustable desks: These desks can be manually adjusted between sitting and standing positions. The height adjustment is done with a crank.
Electrically adjustable desks: These desks are equipped with an electric motor that allows the height to be easily adjusted using a remote control or a button.
A sit-stand desk with 1 motor has one motor that is responsible for adjusting the height of the desk. This type of desk is often cheaper than a desk with 2 motors.
A second motor can provide smoother and faster adjustment. This can be useful if several people use the desk or if the user often wants to change positions during work. A sit-stand desk with 2 motors also has more carrying capacity
Setting up a sit-stand desk depends on the specific model you have, but here's a general guide to help you:
It is important to change your posture regularly, both sitting and standing. It is recommended to stand and move for a few minutes every 30 minutes. This can help improve blood circulation and strengthen the back and neck muscles.
There are studies that indicate that working in a standing position for an extended period of time can lead to fatigue, back pain and other health problems. It is recommended to stand and move for a few minutes every 30 minutes.
It is also advisable to build up the use of a sit-stand desk gradually, in order to increase the time you spend standing. A sensible way could be to stand for an hour a day the first week, two hours a day the second week and so on until you reach a comfortable amount.
It is important to know that the correct setting of a sit-stand desk depends on the specific situation and the personal preference of the user. If you are unsure about the correct setting, consult a physiotherapist or occupational therapist for professional advice.
