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If you notice your butt falling asleep, legs going numb, or lower back aching from too much sitting at your desk, an ergonomic standing desk can help alleviate back, shoulder, and bum pain by activating different muscles. Constant chair sitting has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and the potential for weight gain.
If you’re considering a standing desk, it’s advised to start slowly; otherwise, you risk a sore back, feet, and legs. Most standing desks convert between sitting and standing heights—some manually, and others with the touch of a button. Look at easily adjustable desks with multiple height options and additional features like drawers, hanging hooks, and portability.
Read on to see the best standing desks that are available online.
When selecting a standing desk for your office, you want one that keeps your elbows at a 90-degree position from the floor. The Flexispot standing desk is adjustable, converting from a seated desk or a standing one. It goes from 28 inches to 47.6 inches at the speed of 1-inch per second at the touch of a button. The desktop offers an oversize workspace of 48 inches by 30 inches—enough to accommodate two computer monitors, a keyboard, and a pad of paper. It can hold up to 154 pounds.
This two-tiered standing desk has one level for your keyboard and one for your monitor. It also has wheels, which makes it easy to roll over to a corner when not in use or allows you to walk around your space while presenting. The wheels can lock into place if you need them to stay put.
It is sturdy and effective, but it is missing features like motorized lifting or lowering of the table. To change the table height, you need to manually adjust it by turning knobs. The workspace surface is 28 by 27 inches.
If you don’t want to buy a whole new desk, you can get a desk converter. VIVO's option goes from 4.5 inches to 20 inches with the push of a lever.
It has a dual-tiered design and a keyboard tray for better ergonomic placement of the monitor at eye level. If you work on a laptop and only need the top tray, the keyboard tray is easily removable, though it does not slide in and out.
The desktop measures 31.5 by 15.7 inches, which is large enough for two computer monitors. It comes nearly fully assembled. You only need to attach the keyboard tray with the included screws and a Philips screwdriver.
You may find that you prefer to sit for part of the day, especially when doing a lot of handwriting, which benefits from seated stability. An easy to use sit-to-stand desk smoothly adjusts from a seated height to a standing one with the push of a button. The Fezibo desk has a memory function that stores up to four of your preferred height settings. The workspace surface measures 48 x 24 inches and has a drawer and a hook.
If space is an issue, this foldable 39.4 inch-high desk can be stored in a closet or under your bed when not in use. The 31.5-inch x 15.7-inch workspace is made of scratch-resistant P2 MDF board while the hairpin legs are made of stylish matte metal. It comes with 10 hooks where you can conveniently store headphones, a backpack, or a jacket. It comes fully assembled, only requiring that the desktop is clipped into place. It weighs 25 pounds and is easily portable. It can serve double-duty in the kitchen or as a bar table for your next party.
Taller people need taller desks. A 5-foot, 11-inch person needs a desk that is about 44-inches high to work comfortably. The luxe Vari electric desk reaches a top height of 50.5 inches and goes down to 25.5 inches for sitting. The LED control panel holds four programmable height settings, a perfect option if you share this surface with a roommate or partner. The 60- by 30-inch work surface is made of a solid piece of beautiful reclaimed wood. Accessories sold separately include a power hub and active stand mat.
A standing desk doesn’t have to be an eyesore, this bow-front desk is as attractive as it is functional. The top is made of 1" thick thermally fused laminate and the back is finished so you can use the L-shaped desk with its bow-front design in the corner or with some walking space around it. The standing desk is height adjustable and it can be used seated or mechanically lifted to 37, 40, and 43 inches. Thoughtful extras include a wire management system for annoying electronic cords, a three drawer filing cabinet that holds legal, letter, and A4 size folders, and a lock and key.
While some of the research on the benefits of standing desks is preliminary, what is proven are the benefits of walking. You can make your workday more active by investing in an under desk treadmill that will work in conjunction with your standing desk (sold separately). If you're on a phone or video conference call, you might appreciate the built-in Bluetooth that pairs with wireless speakers. The motor is quiet, and in walking mode, the speed ranges from 1 to 4 kilometers per hour. It folds, but it is heavy to lift and move.
A good standing desk allows you to adjust the desk from sitting height to standing height without much effort. With a touch of the button, the Flexispot Standing Desk (view at Amazon) nearly reaches 48 inches and offers ample surface space without gobbling up too much of a footprint. If space is limited, you can look at the Mr. Ironstone 31.5” Folding Computer Desk (view at Amazon), a collapsible desk that you can fold and store. It can even double as a bar table for your next party.