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Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

nytimes.com

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Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#21

Post by antoineMoPa »

samastur wrote: post #18
antoineMoPa wrote: post #11

My main motivation for buying a standing desk would be saving my back from constant pressure. CTRL+F "back" in this article tells me that the author did not care at all about back problems and thought people bought standing desks to exercise. I already exercise in my spare time and commutes.

Maybe read the article next time. He says standing may help those with lower back and neck pain problems.

I read this exact part. Who does not suffer back pain after hours of sitting? If it does not hurt, does it mean it is still good to be sitting all the time? no. The author sounds like back pain is not a typical problem and that exercise is a huge part of the reason people use standing desks.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#22

Post by thanosnose »

WhompingWindows wrote: post #8

This article is by a pediatrician, not a physical therapist or a subject matter expert. The article basically consists of the author pointing to some studies on the subject and concluding that there's not yet definitive, decisive evidence as to the long-term benefits of standing desks. Anyone who reads about standing desks knew that already. And, as someone who is known amongst friends and colleagues for using one, I…

It's clickbait "news" and "studies". So much of the media and "science" is useless people doing useless nonsense just to make money.

"Why you shouldn't work remotely". "Why you shouldn't drink coffee". "Why you should drink coffee". "Vaping is better than cigarettes". "Vaping worse than cigarettes".

It's a never ending assembly line of garbage because they need to push out garbage every day.

"Publish or perish" has ruined academia, much of science and the media.

Also, anything can be "overrated". It is a subjective term. The article doesn't tell us anything of any value. What did we learn? Someone thinks standing desks are overrated. Okay. Who cares? Is that worthy of an article in the nytimes?

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#23

Post by Cacti »

WhompingWindows wrote: post #8

This article is by a pediatrician, not a physical therapist or a subject matter expert. The article basically consists of the author pointing to some studies on the subject and concluding that there's not yet definitive, decisive evidence as to the long-term benefits of standing desks. Anyone who reads about standing desks knew that already. And, as someone who is known amongst friends and colleagues for using one, I…

What is your point? You criticize the author for claiming there is no evidence that standing desks improve health, yet you provide absolutely no evidence to the contrary.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#24

Post by JshWright »

WhompingWindows wrote: post #8

This article is by a pediatrician, not a physical therapist or a subject matter expert. The article basically consists of the author pointing to some studies on the subject and concluding that there's not yet definitive, decisive evidence as to the long-term benefits of standing desks. Anyone who reads about standing desks knew that already. And, as someone who is known amongst friends and colleagues for using one, I…

The "overrated" claim is that standing desks address the health concerns of sitting too much (a claim that I have heard many, many times). There is no evidence to support that claim. Your third paragraph accuses the author of cherry-picking the studies. Is there an example of a study you feel they should have included that supports your accusation?

The author is not claiming to be a subject matter expert. The fact that they are a pediatrician is irrelevant. Their argument is well sourced, and "even" a pediatrician is able to read and understand papers in adjacent medical fields.

Dr Carroll is also known for the Healthcare Triage YouTube channel, which has numerous video explainers on topics like how to critically evaluate the strength of studies, the dangers of cherry-picking data, etc.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#25

Post by anonymousDan »

robotmay wrote: post #7

Well, obviously it's not a replacement for exercise. Was anyone ever claiming that? Because I'd think it's fairly obvious that standing still doesn't exactly burn the calories off. The key is moderation, like with everything. Alternate between sitting and standing. This past year I've started to get problems with my legs caused by sitting. Exercise relieves it, but the aches return when I sit down again. I just spend…

Honestly there is absolutely no need to splash out on expensive standing desks. I literally have two upturned plastic crates on my desk to support my monitor, and then two stacks of books to support my keyboard and also my mouse. Total cost about 5$. The important point is to make sure the height of the boxes or whatever you use is adjusted to eye level and roughly elbow level for the keyboard.

The only downside is if you want to switch between sitting and standing, but frankly it's easier to just use a laptop for sitting for a little while until you get used to standing for longer.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#26

Post by cletus »

antoineMoPa wrote: post #21
samastur wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe read the article next time. He says standing may help those with lower back and neck pain problems.

I read this exact part. Who does not suffer back pain after hours of sitting? If it does not hurt, does it mean it is still good to be sitting all the time? no. The author sounds like back pain is not a typical problem and that exercise is a huge part of the reason people use standing desks.

Who doesn't? Me, for a start.

I've honestly never understood the standing desk thing. I mean if it alleviates back pain or just makes you happy, sure. Why not?

It's not a given that everyone suffers back or neck pain from sitting though.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#27

Post by JshWright »

sigfubar wrote: post #2

The author's bigotry is showing in spades. I don't care if standing all day long is "associated with lower socioeconomic status". Standing makes me feel better, improves my posture, and takes away all the literal physical pains associated with sitting. If this makes me similar to a person working in retail, so be it. Am I supposed to be ashamed of our shared fundamental humanity too?

There is no "bigotry" there... It is an objective fact that (especially in the US) lower socioeconomic status is higher correlated with worse health outcomes. The author is pointing out one of the possible methodological flaws in studies evaluating the health impact of standing while working (i.e. by selecting for folks who stand at work, they are _also_ selecting for people of lower socioeconomic status, and it's likely the socioeconomic factors outweigh the sitting/standing distinction in terms of health).

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#28

Post by snarf21 »

bpicolo wrote: post #3

Best strategy is just drinking enough that you need to hit the restroom with reasonable frequency. You stay hydrated and get well-timed walking/headspace breaks. Win-win.

This is why I only drink my water out of a coffee cup. You don't have to worry about flushing all electrolytes and you also get up more frequently to refill your water in the first place.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#29

Post by dana321 »

There are benefits to standing, for one is increased strength in the legs - just try it, it is a workout and you do burn more calories standing up than sitting down.

Increased cognitive ability is another benefit, due to the increased blood flow.

I think alternating is great, its what i tend to do.

Re: Why Standing Desks Are Overrated

#30

Post by gunnarde »

"Sit-stand desks are not exactly inexpensive, but like many things in life, they’re fine if you like them. And if it helps alleviate some back and neck pain, so much the better. It’s just that most people probably don’t need them." TL:DR
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