MANSFIELD — Health care experts agree that maintaining a sedentary or still position for extended periods of time can lead to health risks later in life, including heart disease and diabetes.

Standing desks encourage individuals to move around more frequently.

A recent study from the University of Minnesota found that individuals using standing desks reduced their time sitting by about 38 minutes each day.

Even standing in a sedentary position can have some health benefits over sitting. While standing the heart works harder and causes the body to burn more calories. Treadmill desks replace standing and sitting with walking, a low intensity activity, and as a result, the body burns even more calories.

All of these potential benefits could help reduce health insurance claims and keep you at work, reducing costs that would otherwise have been spent addressing health concerns.

Potential Disadvantages of Standing and Treadmill Desks

Though standing and treadmill desks can have health benefits, there are potential disadvantages to keep in mind. 

Health

Although researchers agree that sitting for extended periods of time throughout the day can lead to significant health risks, they are divided as to whether standing can help prevent these risks.

Some occupational health specialists are concerned that the rising trend of standing desks may give individuals who use them the impression that standing in one place is an acceptable replacement for sitting in one place.

They argue that the calorie burn difference between sitting and standing is relatively insignificant and will not have a noticeable impact on the long-term health of employees.

Other health experts are concerned about the detrimental effects of standing for long periods of time that are not a concern with sitting. Studies have shown that excess periods of standing puts more strain on veins, backs and joints, especially in individuals who are overweight.

Sponsored content provided by Ted Wendling of Rinehart Walters Danner Insurance, 446 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906, 419-522-9892 x125