Stand Up!

About a year and a half ago I began to see more and more articles pop up about the health benefits of switching to a standing desk. Eventually, they began to make a lot of sense.

You see, like a good suburban kid, I grew up playing all sorts of sports that took their unique tolls on my knees. After I began my first real desk job after college, I started noticing that my back was always in knots and my ability to stand for even normal periods of time was waning (for example,  I was no longer able to go to concerts and stand for their entirety – quite the nuisance for a music nerd like myself). I kept going to the gym but that seemed only to exacerbate things.

Back to the articles…
More and more of them started talking about exactly what I was dealing with – knee, lower back, and shoulder pain.  The problem was that most of the desks these articles were referring to cost upwards of $400 or more.  I wasn’t about to put that sort of bet on standing all day – especially when I couldn’t do so yet.  So I kept looking.

After a while, I found a blog post showing a great DIY option – the type of option that ALWAYS sparks my interest – a simple solution in fact.  Jacks.  Originally designed to level trailers and campers, this set of 4 jacks would sit right below the feet of my existing desk and raise the whole thing up to whatever height I want – and all for $40!

I bought the jacks and set the whole thing up in no time.  The first week wasn’t a whole lot of fun.  Fatigue set in around lunch and I had to push through the afternoon as best I could.  Taking breaks to sit for a few minutes at a time or for meetings and phone calls helped but I just had to build up strength again.

After about 2 weeks, the change in my endurance was already noticeable.  My knees were better.  The knots in my shoulders were gone. And things got even better from there.

Now, a year later, I’m still standing.  Sure, there are days that I just need to sit down for a bit but all in all, it’s been great. I’ve even convinced Darcey and Jena to join in!  If you’re interested, check these out and make the switch.  You’ll be glad you did!

UPDATE:

Here are some great accessories to add comfort!

<< and Jena,
the newest addition to the standing team!