VARIDESK sent me a standing desk to review, but opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Staying healthy at my desk job has been a struggle for me. I never really thought much about how my job affects my health until I wore a fitness tracker for a bit. I realized on the days that I didn’t workout in the morning, I barely walked 2,000 steps. Since I am on the computer all day long, (I even eat lunch at my desk) I was looking for ways to fit in more activity during my workday.
I am well aware that sitting for extended periods of time is bad. A Mayo Clinic study had statistics that were shocking to me. One study compared adults who spent less than two hours a day sitting with those who logged more than four hours a day of sitting. Those with greater sitting time had:
- A nearly 50 percent increased risk of death from any cause
- About a 125 percent increased risk of events associated with cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain or heart attack
I knew I had to do something. It was tough, though. With my job, I can’t walk around for 10 minutes every hour. I did try to walk around more, but I felt like a weirdo doing laps around the newsroom. Then a coworker got a standing desk after his doctor recommended it to help him deal with a recurring injury. I was intrigued. Apparently, few other coworkers were as well, since I saw more standing desks popping up.
I LOVE my VeriDesk!
After researching desks, I decided to contact VARIDESK to see if they wanted to partner up for a post. It was the brand used most around my office and everyone was really happy with the product. I was thrilled when they agreed to send me a desk since now I am OBSESSED with standing! Here’s two things I learned in the process.
Start Slow: Once I was standing up, I would easily forget how long I was standing. When I would finally sit down, my feet, legs and back would hurt. Remember, if you aren’t used to standing for long periods you have to ease into it! I got the VARIDESKapp and it lets me set my stand/sit ratio and then reminds me when I should sit down and stand up.
A screenshot from my VARIDESK app
Get a Good Mat: The one tip I got from other standing desk owners was that you need a mat. This makes standing easier on your joints and back. I ordered this one from Amazon and I love it. It is super soft and cushy!
I would recommend the VARIDESK to anyone. Now it is a bit pricey but totally worth it in my honest opinion. I needed a standing desk that was easy to move up and down, and the VARIDESK is made so well that it is simple to adjust to the perfect height. (and just as easy to put back down when I need a sitting break) I think if I had a desk that was only stand up or difficult to adjust then I wouldn’t get as much use out of it. Now I am a stander & I love it! I am going to be bringing it to my new job very soon! Have you ever wanted to try a standing desk?
That’s definitely better than sitting in a chair all day.
I’ve even heard sitting called the new smoking because of all the negative health effects. I have recently switched jobs from a desk to standing and can notice the difference. Now I just need to get the mat to help with the soreness I feel in my feet by the end of the day.
This has been on my to-do list FOREVER. I have been sitting on a desk for the pst 20 years!
One of my coworkers did this after she had surgery, and still stands even post injury! I definitely need to consider doing this, especially with the stats to back it up. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I loved using a standing desk at the office. I often stand at the counter at home to do work…I think better on my feet!
I too need a standing desk because I’ve started feeling some pain in the back. I want something robust that will last longer. Thanks for sharing the review. I’ll order one very soon.
Your post got me intrigued. That study shows shocking results and now I’m dying to get a standing desk. Since I spend more than 8 hours daily sitting down, I think it would be great for my health. Thank you so much for the tip!
I love my standing desk!
I have never had a standing desk, but I am a vet tech so I stand most of the day at work anyway. My aunt has one though and loves it!