Standing and Sit Stand Height Adjustable Desks

How to Stand at a Standing Desk

Posted on by Sarah Dunes
how to stand at a standing desk
05
Jul

Last Updated on 2 March 2023 by Sarah Dunes

When using a height-adjustable desk, it’s important to be aware of the best way to stand. If you’re not standing correctly, you could have back pain or other health problems. We will discuss some tips for standing when using a height-adjustable desk. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to stay healthy and comfortable while working.

How to Stand at a Standing Desk

The height adjustable desk is quickly becoming a popular option for those who want to improve their health and well-being while working. 

If you’re like most people, you spend the majority of your day sitting down. You might even sit all day at work. Sitting all day long can be harmful to your health. Many experts say that you should try to stand more during the day. 

One way to do that is to use a standing desk. A standing desk can help you stand more during the day, and it can also help improve your health. If you are thinking about using a standing desk, here are some tips on how to stand at a standing desk: 

Start Slowly 

If you have never used a standing desk before, start by using it for a part of the day. Stand for 30 minutes or an hour in the morning and then again in the afternoon. You can gradually increase the time you spend standing as you get used to it.

Maintaining Proper Posture

Maintaining proper posture is one of the most important tips for standing while using a height-adjustable desk. When your posture is correct, it puts less strain on your back and spine, which can help to prevent pain. Make sure to keep your shoulders down and back, and tuck your chin in slightly to look straight ahead. Also, be sure to distribute your weight between both feet evenly. It’s important when using a standing desk to take good care of our skeletal muscle.

how to stand at a standing desk

If you feel pain while standing, it’s important to take a break and sit down for a few minutes. Giving your body a rest will help to prevent further pain or injury. You may also try wearing comfortable shoes with good support while using a height-adjustable desk. Wearing too tight or high heels shoes can contribute to pain and discomfort.

In addition to maintaining proper posture, another important tip for standing whilst using a height-adjustable desk is to move around often. Standing in one spot for too long can cause pain and stiffness, so take breaks every few minutes to move around.

Proper Positioning of Your Computer Monitor

The top of your computer monitor should be at eye level. If you have to tilt your chin or neck down to see the screen, raise the height of your monitor. Conversely, lower the monitor’s height if you have to tilt your head back to see the screen. The sweet spot is usually when the top of the monitor is at or slightly below eye level.

To find the right position for your keyboard, start with the monitor at the correct height. Then, place your elbows at a 90-degree angle and type away. The goal is to keep your wrists straight—not bent up or down as you type. If you need to make micro-adjustments to find the perfect position, that’s normal. Just remember: elbow = 90 degrees.

As for your mouse, it should be close enough to reach without having to overextend your arm. Again, you want your wrist to remain in a straight line while you use it. If you have to twist your arm to reach the mouse, it’s too far away.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You might not think your shoes have much to do with standing at a desk, but they play a big role in comfort. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot, ankle, and knee pain, not to mention back pain. So, what’s the best footwear for standing desks?

The answer is comfortable, supportive shoes with low heels. High heels throw off your posture and can cause many problems, so they’re a no-go. And while you might be tempted to go barefoot or wear flip-flops, that’s also not a good idea. Instead, look for shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole.

how to stand at a standing desk

Don’t forget to pay attention to socks, too. Wearing the wrong socks can cause blisters, so choosing a comfortable and breathable pair is important.

Make Use of the Memory Settings on Your Desk

If you’re using a height-adjustable desk, it probably has memory settings that allow you to save your preferred heights for sitting and standing. If your desk doesn’t have this feature, there are still ways to make adjusting the height easier.


For instance, you can put a stool next to your desk so you can easily reach the top of the desk when you want to stand. Or, if your desk is too high to comfortably reach the knob, try using a step stool or placing a box on top of the desk so you can raise or lower the desktop as needed.

Final Words

There is no one perfect way to use a height-adjustable desk. It may take some time to find what works best for you. The most important thing is listening to your body and taking breaks when needed. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you stand at a standing desk?

The consensus is that you should aim to stand for around 20-30 minutes per hour while using a standing desk. Of course, this is just a guideline, and you should listen to your body; if you feel you need to sit down, then do so.

How do you get used to standing desks?

Here are some tips to get you started:

-Start by standing for just a few minutes at a time. Slowly increase the amount of time you stand each day.

-If you feel fatigued, sit down and rest for a few minutes. Don’t try to push yourself too hard.

-Wear comfortable shoes. You may want to avoid high heels or shoes with very little support.

Can you stand too long at a standing desk?

Yes, you can. Take a break if you experience pain in your feet, legs, or back. Listening to music or watching TV can help some people stay motivated to stand for long periods.

Sarah Dunes

Sarah is an expert on ergonomic furniture and standing desks in particular. With 10 years experience in writing for publications on tech and gaming topics, she is a true leader in this space. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys paddle boarding and reviewing the latest paddle boards and accessories, on the south coast of England.