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My standing desk experiment

blog.liangzan.net

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Re: My standing desk experiment

#11

Post by ed209 »

enraged_camel wrote: post #8

I used a standing desk at work for about four months earlier this year. I didn't like it because: 1. My feet would hurt from standing up all the time, which interfered with my concentration. 2. The desk was a continuous source of questions from coworkers. People would ask me how I built it, how much it cost, what benefits I've observed, and a ton of other stuff. I answered so many questions that I could go and sell s…

Did you consider a height adjustable desk?

I work alone, so it's not too embarrassing having an electronic desk. I have noticed that my legs ache less. I stand for about 1/3 of the day usually.

Re: My standing desk experiment

#12

Post by sliverstorm »

enraged_camel wrote: post #8

I used a standing desk at work for about four months earlier this year. I didn't like it because: 1. My feet would hurt from standing up all the time, which interfered with my concentration. 2. The desk was a continuous source of questions from coworkers. People would ask me how I built it, how much it cost, what benefits I've observed, and a ton of other stuff. I answered so many questions that I could go and sell s…

I decided that the potential health benefits were not worth the discomfort

Rule of thumb, if a posture is causing you discomfort you are probably not reaping any health benefits.

This is with the notable exception of muscular discomfiture because your muscles have been allowed to grow weak, e.g. sitting up straight.

Re: My standing desk experiment

#13

Post by keithpeter »

enraged_camel wrote: post #8

I used a standing desk at work for about four months earlier this year. I didn't like it because: 1. My feet would hurt from standing up all the time, which interfered with my concentration. 2. The desk was a continuous source of questions from coworkers. People would ask me how I built it, how much it cost, what benefits I've observed, and a ton of other stuff. I answered so many questions that I could go and sell s…

"The desk was a continuous source of questions from coworkers."

FAQ on your Intranet? Their interest indicates a desire for change in work practices.

Re: My standing desk experiment

#14

Post by gojomo »

Ergonomically, this experiment had some problems:

• the photo shows a large monitor, presumably used while continuing to type at the laptop keyboard, off to a side angle. Having your typing-hands/torso and eyes/neck at differing angles can be very stressful for the head/neck.

• the author notes that because of a tendency to "edge closer to the desk when I stand" resulting in eyes "too close to the computer screen", he placed his floor mat further from the desk. If the natural, comfortable standing position was close to (or even leaning against) the desk, he should have pushed the screen back to accommodate that position -- not forced himself to stand further away.

Whether seated or standing, face both your keyboard and main monitor at the same direct (perpendicular) angle. Also when seated or standing, adjust the position of the screen or keyboard to accommodate your preferred posture, not the other way around.

Re: My standing desk experiment

#15

Post by greggman »

ed209 wrote: post #11
enraged_camel wrote: post #8

I used a standing desk at work for about four months earlier this year. I didn't like it because: 1. My feet would hurt from standing up all the time, which interfered with my concentration. 2. The desk was a continuous source of questions from coworkers. People would ask me how I built it, how much it cost, what benefits I've observed, and a ton of other stuff. I answered so many questions that I could go and sell s…

Did you consider a height adjustable desk? I work alone, so it's not too embarrassing having an electronic desk. I have noticed that my legs ache less. I stand for about 1/3 of the day usually.

Or just get a tall desk chair. They make desk chairs that are tall like bar stools for standing desks. (http://goo.gl/5zMCq) Then you can stand when you want or sit when you want. Pulling the chair up seems easier than raising/lowering a desk

Re: My standing desk experiment

#16

Post by sudonim »

Awesome for trying out a standing desk.

Take a look at this article which has a picture of what your posture should look like: http://www.tinkeringmonkey.com/site/do-your-back-a-favor-get...

Likely problems I see with your set up:

* Keyboard too high * Monitor too low and off to the side

You'll probably be looking down and to the left, and certainly would if the keyboard is the right height so your arms are at a 90 degree angle.

Re: My standing desk experiment

#17

Post by sudonim »

enraged_camel wrote: post #8

I used a standing desk at work for about four months earlier this year. I didn't like it because: 1. My feet would hurt from standing up all the time, which interfered with my concentration. 2. The desk was a continuous source of questions from coworkers. People would ask me how I built it, how much it cost, what benefits I've observed, and a ton of other stuff. I answered so many questions that I could go and sell s…

The feet are the killer. I had the same problem too. I live in NYC so I walk a lot in addition to standing all day. I found that wearing running shoes would help somewhat. Also getting a gel mat to stand on helped reduce fatigue. To be honest, the feet thing is my biggest long term issue. I wonder if it just goes away?

Re: My standing desk experiment

#19

Post by jawngee »

I do the standing thing at home, sit down when working at clients.

The biggest thing I've noticed is that I'm less likely to dick around on reddit or hackernews if I'm standing, so it's been a boon to beating procrastination which I'm prone to do.

I've also lost weight, but I'm not sure if that's related at all due to a diet change.

It took me a few weeks for my back to stop being stiff when I sat. Massage therapy helped. Taking breaks is key.

I wear running shoes when standing and haven't noticed much pain in my feet, if any at all.

Re: My standing desk experiment

#20

Post by graeme »

I switch between a seated desk, and a standing desk improvised out of an ikea shelving unit. Very simple, I just put my laptop on top, and have a power cord at each location.

http://imgur.com/a/OCX4J

(The pictures were for a reddit minimalism post, hence the bookshelf pictures)

I got the foot soreness too. Switching fixed it, as did wearing footwear. I plan to get a mat, I've heard that helps too. My floor is hardwood.

I'm much less likely to goof off when standing. Posture feels good, and I like that I can move easily.

My one bad habit is slouching if I get tired. A sign I should sit down.

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