- UK
Posted by Gavin Bradley | January 19, 2024
How to Use a Standing Desk
These days the opportunity to stand at your desk at work is no longer a trend, but an essential choice for our health and well-being.
At Yo-Yo DESK®, we have been a driving force in championing the transformative benefits of incorporating standing desks into your workspace and championing the importance of movement in the workplace. As standing desks continue to become more commonplace in modern offices, understanding the proper way to use them is crucial. Our ergonomic sit-stand desks have been especially designed to make it easy to use and we provide all the best practise guidance to enhance your productivity, health, and collaborative spirit at work.
It’s important to remember, it's not just about standing; it's about standing correctly and understanding that standing puts you in position to move more. Research reveals that there are optimal ways to leverage the benefits of standing desks, and it all comes down to having the correct ergonomic standing desk position. Let's delve into the science of standing properly at your desk for a healthier and more productive work experience.
Learn More About the Benefits of StandingWhy You Should Be Using a Standing Desk
It helps to better understand the reasons we need to avoid the risks of prolonged and excessive sedentary behaviour? In modern office dynamics, the typical workday often involves up to 7 or 8 hours in front of a computer screen, offering little room for standing and movement. This sedentary lifestyle can contribute to various health issues, with back pain being a common concern.
Integrating a Yo-Yo DESK® sit-to-stand desk into your workspace can be a game-changer. These standing desks are designed to seamlessly blend with your workflow, allowing you to naturally increase the time spent on your feet without disrupting your tasks. It's an ergonomic solution that promotes a healthier work routine.
However, it's crucial to understand that having a standing desk alone doesn't automatically eliminate the challenges associated with extended periods of sitting. To truly reap the benefits and avoid potential pitfalls, there are specific practices you need to follow.
Learn More About the Importance of Regular MovementHow to Set Up Your Standing Desk
Firstly, you need to choose the right desk! Incorporate a quality height-adjustable standing desk like the award-winning Yo-Yo DESK® PRO 2, offering a seamless way to enhance overall health, performance, and productivity in your workspace. Opt for one deep enough to accommodate your monitor directly in front of you, positioned at least 20 inches away. This ensures an optimal ergonomic set-up for your adjustable office desk.
Unlock the full potential of your standing desk by implementing these ergonomic practices, creating a workspace that promotes health, comfort, and productivity:
- Set the platform height at your standing elbow position.
- Align the keyboard and mouse as you would in a sitting position.
- Keep the monitor height between horizontal and 35 degrees below.
- Wear supportive footwear and use an anti-fatigue mat where possible, as this will encourage you to move your feet more, which encourages blood flow and helps you keep standing more comfortably and with better posture.
- Utilise a footrest or anti-fatigue mat for weight shifting or shift your weight between legs occasionally.
- Ensure cables and layout don't impede desk adjustments.
How to Stand at Your Standing Desk
When embracing the advantages of a standing desk, it's imperative to understand the right ergonomic posture to maximise its benefits. Maintain a vertical alignment of your neck, head, legs, and torso. Invest in an anti-fatigue mat for weight shifting and avoiding the risks of static standing, and choose supportive footwear. Your ergonomic workstation promotes an upright spine and relaxed shoulders, contributing to a balanced and comfortable stance.
It’s important to maintain a neutral body position when using your standing desk. Follow these tips for the best ergonomic performance:
- Keep hands, wrists, and forearms straight and parallel to the floor.
- Maintain a level and forward-facing head.
- Ensure an erect spine and relaxed shoulders.
- Bend elbows at approximately 90 degrees, close to the body.
- Avoid twisting the upper torso.
- Align the monitor between horizontal and 30 degrees below, preferably at eye level or slightly below.
How Long Should I Spend Standing vs. Sitting?
Striking the ideal balance between sitting and standing is crucial for maximising the benefits of your Yo-Yo DESK® sit-stand desk solution. The optimal range is to break up sitting every 30 minutes with 5-10 minutes of standing. And then try to walkabout for 2 – 5 minutes every hour too. The secret is to keep breaking it up, turning on your metabolism as standing is the 1st gear of physical activity, when metabolic rate increased by 40% compared to sitting.
The essence lies in fluidity—alternating your position as needed. It's essential to allow your body time to acclimatise to this new routine and make gradual adjustments when switching to a standing desk. Research suggests that some users may revert to prolonged sitting after an initial trial period. To harness the advantages of varied body positions, consistency is key. Ensure you maintain this dynamic approach to experience the long-term benefits.
Moreover, don't overlook the importance of breaks away from the computer. Alleviating eye strain and diversifying the positions of your head, upper body, arms, and hands is pivotal for holistic well-being. We encourage a nuanced approach to sitting and standing, aligning with your health needs and fostering a healthier and more adaptive work routine.
Learn How to Switch to a Standing DeskGet Started with Yo-Yo DESK®
Embracing the versatility of your new Yo-Yo DESK® standing desk is a transformative step towards a healthier work lifestyle. The benefits of alternating between sitting and standing positions are numerous, promoting productivity, comfort, and overall well-being.
So take charge of your health by exploring Yo-Yo DESK®'s range of ergonomic standing desks and browse executive standing desks, home office standing desks, standing desk converters, and much more. Our carefully crafted solutions align with the principles of dynamic work, empowering you to create an adaptive workspace that suits your unique needs.
We aim to Get Britain Standing! For more insightful tips, detailed information, and engaging content on enhancing your work experience, visit our blog section and let Yo-Yo DESK® be your guide to a more comfortable, active, and productive workday.
Browse Standing DesksPopular Blogs
How to Successfully Switch to a Standing Desk | Yo-Yo DESK®
Posted by Gavin BradleySeptember 26, 2023Master the transition to a standing desk with our essential tips on posture, setup, and listening to your body. Optimise health and productivity with Yo-Yo DESK!Review: What’s it Like to Have a Sit-Stand Desk? | Yo-Yo Desk®
Posted by Gavin BradleySeptember 1, 2023Discover an office worker's experience with the Yo-Yo DESK PRO! Dive into the pros, cons, and transformative benefits of using an adjustable sit-stand desk.Strategies and Solutions for Incorporating Movement at the Office
Posted by Gavin BradleyAugust 16, 2023Taking regular breaks throughout the workday is essential for incorporating movement and combatting the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Encourage employees to take short breaks every hour to stand up, stretch, and move around. These breaks provide an opportunity to increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and re-energise the body and mind.The Importance of Regular Movement at the Office
Posted by Gavin BradleyAugust 16, 2023In today's sedentary work culture, where many people spend hours sitting at desks, regular movement at the office has become more crucial than ever. The human body is designed for motion, and prolonged sitting periods can harm our overall well-being and productivity.
Quick Info
WHY Yo-Yo DESK®?
Yo-Yo DESK®’s is leading a workplace revolution to convert unhealthy sedentary offices to active, healthy, and productive workplaces. Over the last 10 years we have expanded the UK’s favourite range of standing desks.
Yo-Yo DESK® is now the UK’s #1 brand for standing desks and continues to expand in other EU markets
Our founder, Gavin Bradley, is the UK’s thought leader on all things Active Working® CIC, and founder of a community interest company dedicating much of his time to the non-profit work behind the Get Britain Standing® and On Your Feet Britain® campaigns.
Trusted Company:
With all our desktitles proudly made in Great Britain we work hard to build and maintain high quality reputation for quality and service. We are the only company to offer a free installation service and free delivery service. Customers who purchase our height adjustable desks, office seating or anti-fatigue mats frequently thank us for the improve wellbeing our solutions provide and most wish they had purchased years ago. With thousands of delighted customers, we have rapidly become the nation’s favourite standing desk brand.
Quality Products:
Our desks are high quality, durable and stylish. Made in Britain, we also offer a free installation service and warranty of up to seven years. You can also test out any solution with our 30-day Money Back Guarantee. We have the widest range of standing desks & ergonomic desk converters to suit all workplaces, whether WFH or WFO.
Our desk converters can be used straight out of the box; and our standing desks can be fully customised to your requirements and installed free of charge.
Swift Delivery:
Your standing desk and desk accessories are shipped speedily, our delivery commitment is 1-2 days for all Yo-Yo DESK® standing desk solutions (mainland UK). No one makes it easier for you to join the “workplace revolution” and keep moving to a healthier you with a standing desk.
Customer Service:
Customers love Yo-Yo DESK® because we offer excellent quality solutions at prices affordable to everyone. Take advantage of our free installation service or 50% discount off any Active Feet solution when you purchase any of our standing desks. Checkout our Trustpilot reviews and scores.
We are a UK-based business with expert sales staff who pride themselves on ensuring you get the optimal solution to help you keep moving.
WHY Yo-Yo DESK®?
Yo-Yo OFFICE® is leading a workplace revolution to convert unhealthy sedentary offices to active, healthy, and productive workplaces. Over the last 10 years we have expanded our best-selling range of standing desks.
Yo-Yo DESK® is now the UK’s #1 brand for standing desks and continues to expand in other EU markets
Our founder, Gavin Bradley, is the UK’s thought leader on all things Active Working® CIC, and founder of non-profit work including the Get Britain Standing® and On Your Feet Britain® campaigns.
Trusted Company:
Customers who purchase our height adjustable desks, office seating or anti-fatigue mats frequently thank us for the improve wellbeing our solutions provide and most wish they had purchased years ago. With thousands of delighted customers, we have rapidly become the one of Europe’s favourite standing desk brands.
Quality Products:
Our desks are high quality, durable and stylish. We have the widest range of standing desks & ergonomic desk converters to suit all workplaces, whether WFH or WFO. Made in Britain, we offer a warranty of up to seven years. You can also test out any solution with our 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
Our desk converters can be used straight out of the box; and our standing desks can be fully customised to your requirements and installed free of charge.
Swift Delivery:
Your standing desk and desk accessories are shipped speedily, our delivery commitment is 4-5 days for all Yo-Yo DESK® standing desk solutions (mainland EU). No one makes it easier for you to join the “workplace revolution” and keep moving to a healthier you with a standing desk.
Customer Service:
Customers love Yo-Yo DESK® because we offer excellent quality solutions at prices affordable to everyone. Take advantage of our free installation service or 50% discount off any Active Feet solution when you purchase any of our standing desks. Checkout our Trustpilot reviews and scores.
We are a UK-based business with expert sales staff who pride themselves on ensuring you get the optimal solution to help you keep moving.
Best Value:
Buy in confidence with our30-day no-nonsense money back guaranteeon all Yo-Yo DESK® solutions. Remember we offer a FREE installation service with electric standing desks, and you can save 30% OFF with our desk accessory bundle offers.
All items come with FREE delivery, and you also save 50% OFF anti-fatigue mats and other Active Feet solutions when you purchase any standing desk.
Sustainability:
Passionate to improve the wellness of our environment, our sustainability drive includes:
FSC Certification:
All our desktops aremade in Britain and FSC certified, an environmental label that requires that the production of wood-based products respect procedures that guarantee the sustainable management of forests.
Eco Packaging:
Yo-Yo DESK® products have 100% cardboard ECO packaging removing plastics and polystyrene from inner packaging.
Recycled Materials:
Most of our products are partially made from recycled materials. We strive to increase the percentage year by year.
Solar Power:
Our warehouse is powered by electric solar panels.
Electric Vehicles:
All our company cars are 100% electric powered.
Growing Trees:
For every desk you purchase, we will donate £1 to plant a tree to grow the National Forest.
Best Value:
Buy in confidence with our 30-day no-nonsense money back guarantee on all Yo-Yo DESK® solutions. Remember we offer 30% OFF many desk accessories when you purchase a standing desk.
All items come with FREE delivery, and you also save 50% OFF anti-fatigue mats and other Active Feet solutions when you purchase any standing desk.
Sustainability:
Passionate to improve the wellness of our environment, our sustainability drive includes:
FSC Certification:
All our desktops aremade in Britain and FSC certified, an environmental label that requires that the production of wood-based products respect procedures that guarantee the sustainable management of forests.
Eco Packaging:
Yo-Yo DESK® products have 100% cardboard ECO packaging removing plastics and polystyrene from inner packaging.
Recycled Materials:
Most of our products are partially made from recycled materials. We strive to increase the percentage year by year.
Solar Power:
Our warehouse is powered by electric solar panels.
Electric Vehicles:
All our company cars are 100% electric powered.
Growing Trees:
For every desk you purchase, we will donate £1 to plant a tree to grow the National Forest.