Why adjustable desks and tables are the future

We are built to stand, but we live in a sitting world. From the first days of school to the last days of retirement, many of us spend a significant portion of our lives sitting.

According to a study by the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, a typical Singaporean office worker sits for an average of 7 hours a day.

That’s almost a third of your life – and it only factors in the hours you spend at work.

The human body is not made just for sitting. It’s made for running, walking and sleeping as well. Prolonged sitting has been proven time and time again to be a potentially deadly habit with an alarming list of potential symptoms.

This ranges from weakening our body’s natural mechanical supports to poor posture (like gamer’s neck), and even increasing the chances of stroke, heart attack, and even cancer.

So, how can we live a better and healthier life in the seated world? The most effective way is with a height-adjustable table or desk.

What is a height-adjustable table?

As the name suggests, height-adjustable desks and tables are designed to elevate or lower your desk height whenever you want to stand or sit.

Sitting too long may be harmful, but standing all day can be equally problematic as well. Prolonged standing can lead to swelling, muscular aches and pains, and general discomfort. As with all things in life, balance is key.

Height-adjustable tables and desks are ideal as they provide the best of both worlds. The best options on the market can seamlessly shift between a seated and a standing desk position, allowing users to find comfort, realign their posture and minimise muscular pain.

While manual options are available, an electric height-adjustable table is the most convenient as it can move to any specified height at the push of a button. The more premium variants allow for multiple height profiles to be stored.

What are the benefits of a height-adjustable table?

There is a reason many organisations and governments are increasingly implementing height-adjustable desks and tables into offices and working environments. Not only can they cater to the unique physiology of every single worker, but they can also be altered depending on the specific requirements of their job.

For example, technicians, engineers or artists would see the benefits of a height-adjustable workstation table that complements their exact height and posture. Increasing their accessibility to their tools also reduces strain on the upper back, neck and shoulders by preventing excessive stretching.

Taking breaks and alternating between standing and sitting improves blood flow and reduces the risk of repetitive strain. For people with chronic back or neck pain, standing desks were shown to reduce the level of pain by up to 54% in just four weeks. Height-adjustable desks also have the potential to improve your overall well-being. A seven-week study revealed that workers with height-adjustable desks reported less stress and fatigue; a massive 87% also stated they felt a boost to their mood and energy levels.

Tips for implementing a height-adjustable table

When starting out with a height-adjustable table or desk, we’d advise taking things slow. Begin with half an hour to an hour of standing time each day, then increase this number as you become more comfortable. These numbers are just a guide – always listen to your own body and take things at your own pace.

To extract the maximum benefit from your height-adjustable desk, you should aim to alternate frequently – every 30 minutes or so is a good rule of thumb. Setting a timer can help to remind you to alternate your position. While standing, particularly for longer periods, an anti-fatigue mat will cushion your feet and reduce muscular strain.

Consider your environment (and feng shui) with the placement of your desk, and what your outlook will be when you are standing (Generally, you want to face the room’s entrance). Finally, it’s important to note that sit-stand desks are just part of the equation for a healthy lifestyle, and should be combined with a healthy diet, exercise and a full night’s sleep.