Sitting for long periods of time negatively effects your physical health.
Okay, by this point we know that using an ergonomic desk is good for your health. And we know that sitting down for long periods of time can be bad for you. But how bad can a little bit of sitting really be?
Turns out, pretty bad…..
The Xdesk has grown from small beginnings to being used throughout the nation.
In a previous post, we told you all about the history of the sit to stand desk—how it has been used throughout the centuries in offices and in schools, how some of the most famous leaders and writers have created their masterpieces at sit to stand desks, and how these desks are now starting to regain popularity in time to combat our nation’s overall health and weight problem.
A few quotes on health will inspire anyone to keep standing.
In our last posts we told you about why choosing a Xdesk adjustable height desk is a healthy choice, not only for your body, but also for the environment. Today we thought we’d expand a bit on that healthy theme.
Xdesk’s adjustable height desks are created with your health in mind. From the materials used in these sit to stand desks, all the way up the ergonomic design for your unique body. In short, these sit to stand desks are all about health. And so to celebrate that, here are some healthy and active quotes to start your day.
Xdesk are nontoxic and made from eco-friendly materials.
In our last posts we talked about the standing desk throughout history, and some of the more famous folks who have used them. Today we thought we’d bring you back to the present and focus on the desk itself, namely what goes into it (and what doesn’t!).
Like many things throughout history, ergonomic desks, like the adjustable height desks or standing desks, started out being made with the finest of quality. They used rich and beautifully carved woods and the finest metal for their hinges and levers. But somewhere along the way, someone decided that quantity was worth more than quality, so office furniture took a radical, and even harmful turn.
Of course these days we know that using rich woods like cherry and oak is harmful to the environment, so many manufacturers began making their ergonomic desks with substitutes. Many ergonomic desks today are made with pressed wood and laminates to cut down their impact on the environment (and the cost it takes to manufacture them!) However, in trying to cut back on spending and harming large trees, these manufacturers are ultimately harming you.
Ergonomic desks, or adjustable height desks, made with laminates, veneer, and MDF often contain small amounts of formaldehyde. Ironically, ergonomic desks are specifically designed to be healthful; however, when formaldehyde is even one of the smallest ingredients, the health benefits go out the window. Formaldehyde can aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, irritate mucous membranes, and cause contact dermatitis. Studies on formaldehyde also suggest that it is a likely carcinogen and should be avoided.
Like I said, the whole point of an ergonomic desk is to make you healthier. But with all of the chemicals, many ergonomic desks are not contributing to your health, and could be harming you.
It’s pretty ridiculous, isn’t it? Well, that’s what the people at Xdesk thought anyway. That’s why they don’t use laminates, veneer, or MDF in any of their ergonomic desks. As a matter of fact, they don’t even use solvent-based paints in their design.
With the Xdesk, what you see is what you get. Each of their adjustable height desks are made 100% from bamboo and recycled aluminum—no harmful fillers, paints, or “faux woods.” This is not only beneficial to your body, but to the environment as well.
Unlike the rich, big-tree woods used in the past, bamboo is the fastest growing and most easily replenished wood on the planet. Recycled aluminum is highly sustainable as well. In short, Xdesk’s ergonomic desk is healthy for your body and the planet, from its design down to the very materials they use (and the ones they don’t!).
Be sure to check out our next post where we’ll talk more about the environmental benefits of choosing a Xdesk.
What are your thoughts on formaldehyde use in office furniture? Share them below!
Learn the proper position for your adjustable height desk to reap the full benefits of standing.
In our last post we went over why Xdesk is the best ergonomic desk on the market today—it is sleek, it moves smoothly, and most importantly (and obviously) this adjustable height desk is, well, adjustable! The Xdesk glides smoothly through 267 positions, perfect for tall people and short, perfect for sitting or standing.
But how do you know what the perfect ergonomic desk height should be? How do you know where to place your keyboard, or the angle your hands and neck should be when typing? First you should listen to your body. Does it feel comfortable to sit down and type all day long with your keyboard on top of your desk? I’m guessing no.
Second, check out this checklist. We’ll tell you how to choose the right ergonomic desk height for your adjustable height desk, whether you’re sitting or standing.
Choosing the right ergonomic desk height is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1) For sitting: When your adjustable height desk is lowered for sitting, you should feel comfortable. Your feet should be flat on the floor, knees about even with your hips, and your forearms should be about level with the floor when you’re typing. Make sure it is high enough that you’re not craning your neck or banging your knees on the bottom.
2) For standing: Again, your desk should be high enough that you don’t have to crane your neck to see your monitor and your arms should be about parallel to the floor when you’re typing. Oh and just for comfort’s sake, you might want to lay down a rug or a mat if you’re standing on hard floors—your feet will thank you!
3) For typing: Okay, maybe you’re asking yourself, how am I supposed to type with my arms parallel to the floor if my desk needs to be high enough not to crane my neck? Here’s the answer: Don’t put your keyboard on top of your desk!
The best ergonomic desk height allows for good posture and the proper arm/hand position for typing, whether you’re standing or sitting. Forearms should be parallel to the floor and your wrists should be straight or at a slightly downward position. That’s why Xdesk has a 360 degree adjustable keyboard tray. You can move it up, down, and from side to side, so that no matter where you’re sitting or standing your desk will be at the perfect ergonomic desk height.
And if you’re worried about complicated knobs, levers, or clutter with the adjustable keyboard tray, never fear! Just like the rest of the Xdesk, this keyboard tray is clean lines and simplicity. You move it into the position you’d like and with the spring assisted Lift-n-Lock feature, it stays.
So whether you’re short, tall, or somewhere in between, with these three simple steps you have yourself the perfect ergonomic desk height. And best of all, you can readjust it any time, whether you want to stand, sit, or wear a pair of heels. There’s an ergonomic desk height perfect for you.
Questions or comments? Share them below and we’ll get back to you!
We always talk about the negative health effects of sitting. The facts are pretty dismal,
The internet has picked up a study recently with flashy headlines saying that standing desks
