Living Well At Home
How to Use a Standing Desk
More and more people are switching to standing desks. It makes sense, given the many health benefits they offer. But they’re still relatively new to some workplaces, and many people have never actually tried one before. If you’re one of the people swapping out your old stationary desk for a stand-up version, you might be wondering if you’re using it correctly.
In fact, if you’re not using it correctly, you could be putting strain on your joints. Many people convert to adjustable height desks to avoid pain and discomfort, not create more. That’s why it’s important to make sure your computer setup and posture are correct.
Twin Star Home™, the leader in electronic adjustable height desks, offers a wide assortment of height adjustable, motorized standing desks, including the Ashford and Genevieve standing desks. To figure out how to use yours and maximize your comfort, productivity, and happiness, check out the following tips.
How to Stand at a Standing Desk
If you’re standing at your desk for any length of time, good, straight posture is critical. Don’t slouch forward or lean back. Make sure your knees are neither stiff nor bent. Don’t tilt your neck or your wrists. If your wrists are feeling strained, double-check that the desk is at the right height (see below) or get arm support pads.
And remember, you don’t want to stand for too long at a time. Take breaks every one to two hours. You can walk around, do some light stretching or lower the desk into a seated position. This will help prevent and relieve any discomfort to your back and joints.
Some other tips for standing at an adjustable height desk include:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Shift your weight from one foot to the other
- Have a small footrest nearby
- Stand on an anti-fatigue WellnessMat®
WellnessMats® is a Twin Star Home™ partner and the leader in premium standing solutions for the home and workplace. Their line of standing desk anti-fatigue mats can help you feel more comfortable while working, as it helps support your feet, back, and joints.
Every adjustable height desk user can benefit from a standing mat, but it’s especially true if you have a hard floor. Concrete, hardwood, tile and some commercial carpets can cause your feet to hurt. With a mat, you’ll have all the cushioning and support you need.
Other features of the Twin Star Home standing desk WellnessMats Collection are:
- Stylish colors and designs
- No-trip beveled edges
- Nonslip top and bottom
- Puncture and heat resistant
- Easy to clean; stain and dirt resistant
- Antimicrobial, non-toxic and odor free
- 100% made in the USA
What Is the Proper Height for a Standing Desk?
When selecting a standing desk, make sure it’s height adjustable. Whether you’re short, average, or tall, you need to be able to easily customize it to your perfect height. A standing desk that is manual and difficult to adjust will make you less likely to stand, which is why a desk from Twin Star Home with quiet, smooth motorized function is the perfect choice.
But, how do you know the right height for your desk? Follow these steps:
- Start by standing straight in front of the desk with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Your neck should be neutral and your arms should be hanging naturally at your sides.
- Bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle. Keep your wrist straight.
- Raise/lower the desk until the top meets your elbow. If your wrist is slightly inclined up or down, the desk is not at the right height. Your fingers can hang down, but your wrist needs to be straight.
And it’s as simple as that. Both the Ashford and the Genevieve standing desks have programmable height settings that remember your preferred height.
This means your desk will be easy to use and give you options to move the way you want during your workday. Interior designer and star of Bravo’s Buying It Blind, Michel Smith Boyd loves this flexibility.
“I love the idea of desks that move with you – I know at a certain point of the day I need to stand up or I’m going to take a nap.” Boyd continues, “I love a desk that moves with me – Twin Star is famous for those. I feel like the idea of having the option is always a good thing.”
Quick Guide for Standing Desk Heights
Here are some examples of desk heights (on average) to help you get a better sense of what you might need.
- 5’0” height = 36.5” standing desk
- 5’5” height = 39.6” standing desk
- 5’9” height = 42.5” standing desk
- 6’2” height = 45.5” standing desk
- 6’4” height = 47” standing desk
The more range a desk offers, the better. The Ashford Adjustable Height Desk (ODP10556-48D908) and the Genevieve Adjustable Height Desk (ODP7506-55-I622) both adjust from 29.5” to 47” for reference.
Computer Height Matters, Too
You’ve found the right desk height, but you’re not done quite yet. Your computer setup is just as important. To avoid discomfort, make sure the screen is at eye level. You may need to use a monitor stand to lift it. Then, tilt the monitor upwards so that you don’t have to strain your neck. Your neck should always be neutral.
Laptops are little bit different. They’re meant to be used on a lap, not a desk, so you have to make some other adjustments. If you want to use a laptop with your standing desk, get a separate keyboard and mouse. You’ll also need to use an angled laptop stand to position the screen at eye level.
Get to Work
Now that you know how to use your standing desk, you’ll be able to reap all the benefits. When you’re up on your feet and feeling comfortable, you’ll be able to power through the workday with ease. Don’t have one yet? Visit Twin Star Home to see our full assortment of products for home and office.
