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Standing Desk Tips

Standing all day is not the answer. Moving between sitting and standing is.

The Biggest Standing Desk Mistake

People buy standing desks thinking they'll stand all day. Then they either stand all day and get sore feet, back pain, and fatigue — or they give up and just sit at their expensive new furniture.

The research is clear: standing all day is almost as bad as sitting all day. The goal is movement and position changes, not just standing.

The ideal ratio: stand for 15-30 minutes per hour. Start with less and build up. Your body needs time to adapt to standing work.

Proper Standing Posture

Feet shoulder-width apart — Stable base, weight evenly distributed
Soft knees — Never lock your knees while standing
Pelvis neutral — Don't tuck or arch your lower back
Monitor at eye level — Top of screen at or slightly below eye line
Elbows at 90 degrees — Forearms parallel to floor
Shoulders relaxed — Not hunched up toward ears

Essential Standing Desk Accessories

Anti-fatigue mat — Cushions feet and encourages micro-movements
Footrest or bar — Shift weight, change positions
Monitor arm — Easily adjust screen height for sitting or standing
Comfortable shoes — Or go barefoot on your mat

Sit-Stand Schedule

A simple approach:

Beginners: Stand for 15 minutes every hour
Intermediate: Stand for 20-30 minutes every hour
Advanced: Stand for 30-45 minutes, sit for 15-30

Use break reminders to trigger position changes. Every time you take a break, switch positions when you return.

What to Do While Standing

Shift weight from foot to foot
Use the footrest to rest one foot at a time
March in place occasionally
Do calf raises
Step side to side

Standing should be active, not static. The fidgeting is the point.