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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?

#61

Post by ne01 »

> Curious about other opinions?

I don't think sit-stand desk is such a good idea. Sitting and standing for long periods of time is not good for your health.

Here is the way I work, it's like a game...

+ Work in 30 minutes intervals where you only sit.

+ Have a timer (e.g. Google Calendar) that let's you know your time is up.

+ To get another 30 minutes of work, you have to workout for 2-3 minutes.

+ Have a set of 10-15 pounds dumbbells next to your desk and just workout for 3 minutes. My favorite workout is "goblet squat". You can learn the proper forms from YouTube.

Benefits:

+ You have more focus!

+ You won't waste time solving problems that does not matter because you have worked hard for that 30 minutes ;)

+ You'll become stronger! Your body starts to make muscles.

+ You will never get tired from sitting!

+ You'll be ... OPS... my time is up I have to workout...

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

#62

Post by bsvalley »

Adding a standing desk helped me getting things done right after lunch. I'd usually turn into a vegetable sitting at my desk from 1 to 2pm. That's where I see the benefits of having a standing desk. It helps digesting food... I also use my chair to sit on my knee while my desk is still in standing position. This happens to be the most relaxing position for me after standing for a while. It's a good stretch. Then, back to sitting position.

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

#63

Post by wastedhours »

Worked at one in my previous job for the majority of the day, found it much more comfortable. Found it a bit harder to concentrate on process tasks, but found it better for creative ones where I bounced from foot to foot and spun on the spot. Much easier to not stare at the screen when stood up.

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

#65

Post by WM6v »

I like that I'm not just sitting all day. But I can't focus hard while standing. My feet become restless.

For me there's a huge difference in focusing while standing and while sitting. I start the day with emails and busy work while standing and sit after I really start to dig in to a problem that needs focus.

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

#66

Post by a-priori »

dannysu wrote: post #25

Do you use anti-fatigue mats when you're standing? I find that it helps a lot.

I've been using a standing desk for about three years. At first I used two anti-fatigue mats, doubled-up. I found one mat wasn't enough, and three felt like I was floating (hard on the ankles, like walking on sand).

Then about a year ago I tried going without, and found I didn't need them anymore.

So basically I suggest using them when you're getting started, but after that do whatever works for you.

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

#67

Post by chad_strategic »

After debating and procrastinating, I finally got a standing desk. (Ikea) Should have done it a long time ago. I have a floor mat was well. I usually stand during the day and sit / stand at night.

People should note that with any new position it takes a little time for your body to adjust to the new position. So if you are standing, your legs will hurt for a week or two. But then you will get over it.

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

#68

Post by Techonomicon »

ne01 wrote: post #61

> Curious about other opinions? I don't think sit-stand desk is such a good idea. Sitting and standing for long periods of time is not good for your health. Here is the way I work, it's like a game... + Work in 30 minutes intervals where you only sit. + Have a timer (e.g. Google Calendar) that let's you know your time is up. + To get another 30 minutes of work, you have to workout for 2-3 minutes. + Have a set of 10-…

Standing desk doesn't mean you stand for 8 hours a day. And standing for 2-4 iirc is perfectly fine. Nothing wrong with standing for short periods of time and breaking up the standing with sitting. Some people, like me, also enjoy the standing portions. Being in different positions literally gives me different perspectives on problems at times that I'm feeling lethargic / uninterested and helps me (personally) work better.

You do you, I'm glad it works, but sit/standing can be done healthily too.

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

#69

Post by dbcfd »

I have a sit/stand varidesk. I find myself being lazy with posture when sitting, which leads to neck/shoulder problems. Being able to stand helps this immensely, however I do about 1 hour standing, then 30-45 sitting (meetings, lunch, sometimes work from sitting position). I do tend to shift a bit while standing, and the choice of shoes becomes important.

Definitely would not go back to just sitting.

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

#70

Post by shimon »

I started using a treadmill desk in 2007 and switched to simply standing around 2011. I like it largely because it helps counteract lulls in energy, e.g. after lunch.

Your ability to concentrate while standing will improve over time, but for certain tasks like intense coding, I often prefer to sit, even after this many years.

I have an Ikea Bekant desk with motorized adjustment and probably alternate 2-3 times a day.

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