Why Everyone’s Switching to Standing Desks—And You Should Too

You’ve probably seen standing desks, sometimes with a treadmill underneath, but how do they really change your working day? How do electric standing desks work and what are the benefits of using a standing desk instead of sitting? We went on the hunt for the best electric standing desk to find out whether they really are worth the hype.

We all know that sitting all day at work is not good for our health. The problem is that now more than ever, the majority of most jobs involve sitting for long periods of time. Is a standing desk good for you and is standing better for your health? Now, it’s worth noting that standing in one spot for too long isn’t great either but it is significantly better than sitting down all day and there are numerous health benefits to standing versus sitting. That said, there’s a reason that we should be aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day besides from doing any other high intensity or strength workout or desk job health alternatives like desk exercises and office workouts. We were made to move and to keep active but that can be difficult when you work full-time and are restricted to spending hours a day at a desk. So what can we do about it and how can a standing desk help? I’ve been testing out the Flexispot Essential Electric Standing Desk to see how it changed the way I work and the results have been surprising. It’s completely changed my minimalist work desk setup. Today I’m sharing how I used a standing desk to change my working routine and my top tips for getting the most out of a standing desk, as well as why it may or may not be a sensible option for you.

Is a Standing Desk Good for You and Is a Standing Desk Better for your Back?

Before we delve into reviewing the desk and looking at how I got on with it, here are a few of the benefits for standing versus sitting at your desk.

• Boosts Metabolism: Standing at your desk keeps your body active and your metabolism firing, helping you burn more calories throughout the day compared to sitting. A great complement to this is incorporating standing desk exercises or even a Darebee workout.
• Supports Weight Management: Standing burns more calories than sitting, which can contribute to weight loss or weight management goals over time.
• Reduces Risk of Obesity: Incorporating standing into your work routine can help lower the risk of obesity by encouraging movement and calorie expenditure. This ties into workplace wellness and general office health.
• Improves Posture: Standing naturally promotes better posture as it engages your core muscles and helps align your spine, reducing the strain on your neck and back that often comes with prolonged sitting.
• Enhances Circulation: Standing encourages better blood flow throughout your body, reducing the risk of developing circulation-related issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins.
• Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases: Research suggests that prolonged sitting is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Standing can help mitigate these risks by keeping your body active and in motion.
• Increases Energy and Focus: Standing promotes better blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive function, increase alertness, and improve overall productivity.
• Alleviates Back Pain: Standing desks have been shown to reduce lower back pain and discomfort associated with prolonged sitting. By alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day, you can give your back a much-needed break and prevent stiffness and soreness.
• Improves Mood and Well-being: Standing encourages the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. By standing more during your workday, you may experience improved mood and reduced stress levels.
• Promotes Longevity: Research indicates that excessive sitting is associated with a higher risk of premature death. Incorporating standing into your daily routine can help prolong your lifespan and improve overall health and longevity.

How Easy is it to Assemble the Flexispot Electric Standing Desk?

My new white standing desk arrived and I couldn’t wait to assemble it so that I could try it out. After reading other reviews and insights online, I was expecting to spend about 40 minutes assembling the desk. The instructions were very clear and it actually only took about 20–30 minutes to assemble. The desk is very heavy and well made, so if you are assembling the desk alone, do bear that in mind—it might be a good idea to ask for help with lifting it! For reference, the Flexispot Essential Standing Desk weighs about 30kg with a single, solid desktop. One of the unique selling points that makes standing desks from FlexiSpot different from others is that the desktop itself is one single piece, not multiple pieces that need to be paired together. This not only makes the desk more sturdy but also looks better and more expensive too—perfect for a white oak desk aesthetic or a walnut home office vibe. Not to mention that it’s much more convenient for those who want to use their desk for photography and flatlays, as there are no unsightly gaps that you might want to avoid in your photos. It fits well in both office desk small space setups and larger sit stand desk home office layouts.

My First Day with My Flexispot Essential Standing Desk

Now for the exciting part—the first working day at my new electric desk home office setup. Like with all new things that you introduce into your working or personal life, there can be an adjustment period where you might need some time to get used to it. The standing desk is really easy to use and you can really tailor it to meet your needs. Remember that this is an adjustable desk that allows you to easily switch between sitting and standing whenever you choose with a simple push of a button. What’s more is that you can alter the height to be as high or as low as you choose, which makes the desk more comfortable as a sitting desk too. This is especially helpful for a small computer desk setup or if you’re short and need something ergonomic.

I set up the desk to my ideal height for standing, wrote my to-do list for the day and started off my day with admin work. I powered on with checking emails and ticking off those little tasks that were cluttering my to-do list, which I’d usually procrastinate over but with the standing desk I felt more energised to get them done. Interestingly, I checked them off my list in record time. Next, I tackled a block of writing work. By the end of the hour, I had finished most of the blog post, edited the photos and added them to the article. Later that afternoon, I switched the desk to a sitting position that was just the right height for me to work comfortably and my daughter joined me to watch a film on her tablet—an unexpected perk for anyone looking for family-friendly office ideas and standing desk setups.

Why Standing Desks are Great if You Have Kids

Ideally, I prefer to balance my time so that work and parenting don’t collide. However, sometimes you’re so close to finishing a project or reaching a deadline and need to keep the kids entertained for half an hour. My FlexiSpot Essential standing desk is 120cm wide, enough room to comfortably seat both me and my daughter. There are different sizes and colours available too. I opted for the white frame with white legs because I love white interiors, but it would also look great as part of an office meditation room or dark wood desk office environment. Because the height is fully adjustable, I can easily lower the desk to a suitable height that is comfortable for both of us. It’s great for home office inspo standing desk layouts and stand up desk decor.

Plus, adjustable standing desks are the ideal desks for short people too because you can alter the height to whatever is most comfortable. Not all desks and working areas suit all people, but I feel that the standing desk is the best way to create a tailor-made desk in seconds.

Should You Stand All Day at a Working Desk? How I Work at My Standing Desk

Although standing is better than sitting, it’s recommended to switch positions regularly and include movement too—this could include desk stretching, desk workout breaks, or even light standing desk exercises at work. I assign certain tasks to a standing position and others to sitting. I stand to check emails, stats, and accounts—short tasks that benefit from energy and focus. For deeper work like writing or editing, I alternate between sitting and standing each hour. These methods are small but powerful work exercises that can improve posture and boost productivity.

Is a Standing Desk Really Worth It?

For me, the FlexiSpot standing desk has been a real gamechanger. A few months ago I realised that I was highly productive until I sat down. Since making the switch, I’ve avoided sitting unless absolutely necessary. I feel so much more energised and motivated when standing. If you get your best ideas while moving or outdoors, a standing desk is the next best thing. It’s also great for recognising mental boundaries between “work mode” and “off mode.” The standing desk has become a built in standing desk staple of my work-from-home life.

How a Standing Desk Has Helped Me to Be More Productive

By establishing a routine—standing for emails and sitting for review—I’ve kept my work and non-work life better separated. I’ve also discovered that writing on a tablet with an external keyboard (and no internet distractions) while using the standing desk is highly effective. It’s helped boost my workplace wellness and made me much more productive, particularly on big writing days.

Who is a Standing Desk For?

A standing desk is suitable for anyone who prefers to stand while working. It’s perfect for tasks like writing, conducting training, answering calls, or doing creative work, such as sewing. It works for computer work station ideas, sewing, art, or even office kitchen ideas where a desk doubles as a food prep or bar area.

Who is a Standing Desk NOT For?

If you hate standing or won’t commit to standing regularly, then an adjustable sit to stand desk might not be for you. You might be better served with alternative desk ideas or by simply building in regular movement breaks during your day. A standing desk might also not work for those who prefer lounging or casual sofa setups.

Standing Desks with Treadmills: Are They Productive?

I’m currently using a standalone electric standing desk without a treadmill. Though I’ve tried treadmill-based setups before, I didn’t find it effective for typing. The only thing I found manageable while walking was reading or proofreading. Stand up desk exercise might not work for everyone, but options like a live edge standing desk or corner standing desk layout might make the setup more appealing.

Overall I love the Flexispot Essential Electric Standing Desk and would highly recommend it to others! It’s the best Flexispot standing desk in terms of function, appearance, quality, and price. Whether you’re setting up a home office or looking to enhance your desk job health, it’s a fantastic tool. If you’ve been tempted to try a standing desk—just do it! It’s a small investment in your productivity, health, and overall workplace wellness. Check out the Flexispot Essential Electric Standing Desk here.