Standing desks have become increasingly popular over the last few years.
But how does a standing desk help runners?
Standing desks are good for runners because they can help reduce muscle tightness, improve posture, reduce aches and pains and can help with conditioning yourself to longer periods of time which can be a big part of training for distance runners.
There are many benefits to using a standing desk, but there also may be some drawbacks too, so it’s important you have all the info you need before figuring out whether or not you need to switch to a standing desk.
Keep reading to learn about whether or not you should use a standing desk.
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How Can A Standing Desk Help Runners?
For runners, a standing desk can be a great way to stay in shape while working.
By using a standing desk, you not only get the benefits of a traditional desk – such as being able to get your work done – but you also get the added bonus of being able to increase movement.
This can help to keep your muscles loose and improve your circulation, both of which are important for runners. In addition, standing desks can also help to correct posture and reduce back pain. As a result, they are an ideal option for those who want to stay active while working.
If you’re a runner, you know that sitting for prolonged periods of time can be the death of your training regimen.
When you’re stuck in a chair all day, your muscles start to tighten up, and your joints get stiff.
That’s why more and more runners are using standing desks.
A standing desk allows you to keep your muscles loose and your joints mobile, so you can stay in top running shape.
And it’s not just runners who are benefitting from standing desks – people of all fitness levels are using them to improve their health.
So if you’re looking for a way to stay fit and healthy, a standing desk might be just what you need.
What are the benefits of using a standing desk for runners?
How do runners specifically benefit from using a standing desk? Here are a few reasons:
Using a standing desk can reduce muscle tightness
Muscle tightness is one of the most common problems among runners. When you’re seated it’s very easy for your hips to tighten up. Those hip flexors can get sore from sitting too much!
Using an adjustable standing desk gives you the ability introduce more movement into your day, enhancing circulation and relieving aches from your joints.
Using a standing desk negates the common office posture
Most people, whether working at home, or in a traditional office, spend their day working in front of a computer, slouched over. This even happens to runners.
Using a standing desk can Improve posture
Prolonged periods of sitting in a traditional office chair can lead to terrible posture and when you are engaged in this kind of posture over time it can cause muscle atrophy which in turn can make your posture even worse, and it’s a vicious cycle leading to physiological discomfort.
Conversely, using an adjustable standing desk will encourage proper physiological posture and keep the relevant muscle groups in a more appropriate active state.
Reduce neck & back pain
Standard desks and traditional office chairs are notorious for causing neck and back pain. By introducing the concept of standing at your desk while you’re working your body is in a more ergonomic position thereby reducing the amount of stress on your neck and back.
Builds endurance for time on your feet
For runners, especially distance runners, being able to adapt to longer and longer periods of time on your feet is an essential element of your training regiment. Using a standing desk is a great way to condition yourself for these prolonged periods of time on your feet during a time that you’d otherwise be inactive as far as training is concerned.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using A Standing Desk?
Standing desks are all the rage these days, with many people touting their benefits.
But are there any drawbacks to using a standing desk?
While there are some potential downsides, overall, the advantages of using a standing desk outweigh the negatives.
One potential drawback is that standing for long periods of time can be tiring and even painful.
This is especially true if you’re not used to standing for long periods of time.
Additionally, standing desks can be expensive, and they may not be suitable for everyone.
For example, if you have a physical disability that makes standing difficult, a standing desk may not be the right choice for you.
However, standing desks have been shown to offer a number of benefits, including improved posture, increased energy levels, and even weight loss.
Overall, standing desks are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being.
How Does A Standing Desk Affect Recovery?
For active runners who are putting solid mileage every week recovery is even more important than normal.
Standing is an active – not passive – activity that can have an affect on the needed downtime needed for inter-workout recovery periods.
Standing obviously increases the amount of time you spend on your feet, so if you suffer from foot issues like plantar fasciitis it could exacerbate you issues.
If you’re going to use a standing desk as a runner it’s best to alternate between times of standing and times of sitting to help to prevent injuries and speed up recovery and heal injuries when you do suffer one.
Do Doctors Recommend Standing Desks?
Do standing desks really help to improve your health?
Many medical practitioners recommend using an adjustable standing desk for its many benefits.
Proponents of standing desks argue that they can help to reduce back pain, increase energy levels, and boost your metabolism and even increase your productivity.
Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, pointed out in an editorial regarding studies on the effects of prolonged sitting vs. standing that, “replacing sitting by standing improves fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides and atherogenic cholesterol levels… ” and “that stepping was strongly associated with a lower body mass index and waist circumference….”
Chiropractors also recommend standing desks.
Dr. Cheree from the Chiropractic Healing Center is a chiropractor in Las Vegas and is a big fan of standing desks.
“You should definitely use a stand-up desk. The caveat, however, is that you have to be using it correctly. Otherwise, you can do more harm than good. One of the most important things is to switch between sitting and standing. Just like sitting for a long time can hurt your health, standing can put a strain on your leg muscles.”
Dr. Cheree goes on to point out that using a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing can help fight diabetes, prevent weight gain, and help reduce back pain.
How Can You Make The Switch To A Standing Desk
How do you make the switch to a standing desk?
It’s easy!
The first step is to find a standing desk that works for you. There are plenty of options available, but the most important factor to consider is height adjustability.
Being able to adjust the height of your standing is great because you can adjust your desk to fit any size person or position.
Adjustable height also helps to keep you comfortable throughout the day. If you find yourself getting tired you can easily adjust your desk to a seated position for relief, which brings me to my next point…
You have to give yourself time to adjust.
Even for active people like runners, just switching suddenly and going all-in on standing can be harmful.
You need to alternate between periods of sitting and standing so you can get used to it.
Studies have shown that you starting with 30-60 minutes of standing per day is a good start, and you can increase it from there.
Another vital factor for switching to a standing desk is learning how to get your desk set at the correct height for you. People – even runners – come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. So knowing what the optimal height for your body is is crucial.
Click here to use our standing desk calculator to find out the best height for your desk.
In addition, while you’re standing, since it’s a lot different than a regular office setup, you need to get your monitor at the correct angle. Many recommend having a tilt of roughly 15 degrees for the optimal setup to work while standing.
Getting good shoes cannot be overstated as well. I know this sounds obvious, but if you don’t have the right type of shoe for standing, you could end up with sore feet, sore calves and sore legs. It’s not uncommon for people who’ve been standing for a while to develop sore feet, and thus making this one of the biggest complaints standing desk users have. Make sure you get good, supportive shoes.
Another fantastic option to employ while using a standing desk is to get an anti-fatigue mat.
An anti-fatigue mat will provide great support for your feet and ankles, reduce your aches and pains due to standing, improve your circulation, encourage good posture and help with your overall energy level.
And when you’re feeling better it’s a lot easier to be more productive.
The bottom line on whether or not a standing desk is good for runners
A standing desk is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall wellness and this is just as true for runners as it is for anyone else.
There are a few things that runners need to pay particular attention to – especially those things related to recovery after intense training sessions, but overall, you’re doing yourself a favor when you switch from a standard desk to an adjustable standing desk.
Next Steps
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