Uwe wrote:

Remember those crazy running shoes that mimicked your foot that were so hot a few years ago?

My brother wears those or at least used to - he's a nurse and has terrible feet. Always looking for something that will help...

Uwe wrote:

I'm not arguing that sitting around all day is good for you, but it's no worse than standing all day.

I think it demonstrably is, actually... I never had a desk job till I was in my mid-30s, as I worked in a bookshop and then stayed home for nine years with the kids (3 babies in four years means you're pretty much on your feet all day, but in an organic way). I put on weight immediately, developed back problems, lost energy... And even then I had the kind of desk job that intersperses sitting and writing with travelling to meetings, walking around with photographers, etc etc. I was on the move at least part of every day. Since being freelance - & there is no useful work-related activity for me now that involves getting up and moving around - my back and hips are feeling it to an extent you would not believe. I've gained weight, I'm less supple, I have less energy. I have to make a specific effort, invent errands, etc, to get out of the house and have a walk, or just clean a bit to move around. I don't even get to go to meetings any more, as no one wants to actually SEE the freelancer - they don't even want to talk to you, you just get emails. (And no, now you ask, it's NOT my idea of a great time!) but even back in the desk-job days, a standing desk after lunch would probably have saved me from many lethal, sleepy afternoons. Sitting all day is just as unnatural as standing still all day would be.

That standing desk at Ikea that I mentioned is clearly not intended for all-day use; but it would be great to have the option, and not HAVE to sit down! There's nowhere in my flat where I can work without sitting down. 

Somebody I was doing some work for got a sit/stand desk last year, and shays he would never go back to sitting all day. He says he feels more alert, more attentive, better in himself than he ever even expected to - and he finds himself also wanting to sit down for less of the day than he had anticipated.

 

True. All dat. but I'm 5'3" and when I tried holding my hands to the height of about 2" over my doorknob it was great. Obvs, as the website gives no height, one would have to go to Ikea and try it out. I liked it mainly because I live in a small flat that is already somewhat full, especially of things like tables and desks. 

KatLondon wrote:

Obvs, as the website gives no height, one would have to go to Ikea and try it out.

Imperial:
Desktop width: 20 1/2 "
Desktop depth: 16 7/8 "
Width: 24 3/8 "
Depth: 18 7/8 "
Height: 41 3/8 "
Max. load: 22 lb

Metric:
Desktop width: 52 cm
Desktop depth: 43 cm
Width: 62 cm
Depth: 48 cm
Height: 105 cm
Max. load: 10 kg

Ulf, best not get yer knickers in a Knotten: Have to say that I'm shocked by its modest weight rating. Clearly you won't be plonking a SG3 on this particular table unless you want to risk its legs splaying out like a gymnast on a balance beam.

My husband has a sit stand desk at work.  It was actually prescribed by his back doctor because of his bulging discs in his spine.  He seems to think it helps. That is sort of a different issue from it being a benefit for everyone always though. He had a very specific reason for needing one.