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Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

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Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#11

Post by nscalf »

slap_shot wrote: post #4

I envy people who can use standing desks. I tried for a few months but my right knee hurt pretty badly after a while. I realized I was constantly leaning on my right leg and just couldn't stop myself. Interestingly, I think most people do this more than they realize but can tolerate it better.

Do you have a history of knee issues? If not, you may want to check out some mobility stuff (mobilitywod.com). For me, tight hip flexors + IT band + achilles meant the whole system was tight and hurt after a bit of use. Check it out.

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#13

Post by Cerium »

I got one about four months ago. It is an electric lift desk, takes about 20 seconds to switch. Most days I leave it standing. I'm definitely getting better at standing. At first it hard to focus while standing, but now it is easy. When I switch to sitting it takes a while to get focused, since it feels strange.

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#14

Post by SlavD »

Similar to you - I alternate between standing and sitting (not every hour though)

I also find it hard to write code when standing so I use standing position mostly for reading, calls, standups etc. when I want to get in the "zone" - only sitting + headphones works for me.

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#16

Post by 52-6F-62 »

nscalf wrote: post #11
slap_shot wrote: post #4

I envy people who can use standing desks. I tried for a few months but my right knee hurt pretty badly after a while. I realized I was constantly leaning on my right leg and just couldn't stop myself. Interestingly, I think most people do this more than they realize but can tolerate it better.

Do you have a history of knee issues? If not, you may want to check out some mobility stuff (mobilitywod.com). For me, tight hip flexors + IT band + achilles meant the whole system was tight and hurt after a bit of use. Check it out.

Wow, I've been having some knee pains (runners knee?) lately, but haven't had time to really investigate. This looks like a great tool to at least get started.

Not really related to standing desks, more my workout (though I've found sitting for long periods of time with runner's knee no more comfortable than standing. Sometimes it was worse). Anyway thanks!

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#17

Post by wesleytodd »

I feel more focused while standing. I am also the type of person who needs at least a little action going on in the background to really get in the zone (like at a coffee shop).

I have been standing primarily now for over a year and even converted my home gaming computer desk to a standing desk. Yep I stand while pc gaming...lol.

It really helps me feel better, back issues aside, because I feel like I am moving more. Even just the switching feet position.

The only advice I have is to get a good padded mat. I started without one and it was painful on my feet and legs.

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#18

Post by psion »

My old job, I was given a motorized desk. I never stood. Managed to gain a ton of weight and health problems. At the new job, didn't have the option for any form of standing desk at first. Then a couple of standing desks came in, but they were hand cranked. Made things harder to go up and down, but I took over one and got rid of the stool that came with it. I don't really notice a different in my work performance, nor do my managers, but I have noticed my posture is a bit better, along with he diet and exercise my doctor put me on, I feel better about things. MY only gripe was the first couple weeks of pure standing, my back KILLED while trying to get used to it. Now, my legs are tired when I get home and I don't move around much there. But I won't give it up for my regular work.

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#19

Post by jbms »

wu-ikkyu wrote: post #12

Great, as long as I'm wearing a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. Otherwise, if I'm wearing a pair of dressy leather shoes, my feet quickly begin to ache.

Get a thick foam mat. I got one designed for standing on when working in a garage and it makes a big difference. Cost about $10.

Re: Ask HN: How is your standing desk working for you?

#20

Post by Naomarik »

I have an Autonomous AI desk, got it shipped to UAE paying nearly double the price due to shipping and waiting about 3 months. I consider it money well spent.

I find that in long stretches of work I really need to switch between standing and sitting else I become irritated. When I work outside home I'm most productive at a specific cafe that has both standup and sit down tables.

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