Are Standing Desks Actually Better? | Treadmill Desk vs Bicycle vs Sitting

You’ve heard standing desks are all the rage, but are they actually better than sitting? I've been using a standing desk now for about 9 years, but it did have its issues. A few months ago I switched to an automatic sit-stand desk and am really enjoying it. But who cares about my experiences - what does the scientific literature have to say about sitting? Are standing desks better for your health and productivity? What about exercise desks? Let's dive into the research and find out!
What type of desk do you use? Let me know with a comment below!
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - Why is Sitting a Problem?
01:27 - Are Standing Desks any Better?
02:48 - What about Exercise Desks?
05:57 - So What Should You Do?
06:50 - What Do I Use?
LINKS FROM VIDEO:
The TRUTH About STANDING DESKS: • The TRUTH About STANDI...
Desk Setup 2022 for Productivity (8 Favorite Gadgets for Efficiency): • Desk Setup 2022 for Pr...
The Schedule That Changed My Life | Anatomy of a Balanced Productivity Schedule: • The Schedule That Chan...
My Desk Essentials:
Office Chair - geni.us/O9BDVj
Ikea Gerton Table Top - no longer sold
VIVO Motorized Desk Base - geni.us/45ulI
Anti-fatigue standing mat - geni.us/yZV1Ku
Rubz ball - geni.us/rubz
Lacrosse massage ball - geni.us/lacrosseball
Cable organizers behind desk - geni.us/qRpv5
Under table cable management - geni.us/hH37
#standingdesk #desksetup #productivity
====================
Disclaimer: Content of this video is my opinion and does not constitute medical advice. The content and associated links provide general information for general educational purposes only. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Kevin Jubbal, M.D. will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. May include affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through them (at no extra cost to you).

[@kevinjubbalmd]

This is a follow up video to my first video on standing desks here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5nOmpp3aJtro6c. What's your experience been with standing desks?

[@deeree1037]

Can you make a video expounding upon what you’re talking about at 4:28?? I’ve always had a similar work flow pattern but never really thought about why.

[@Phatnaru0002]

Standing is not better than sitting. Walking is impractical for anyone that needs to focus on work. The truth that no one wants to talk about, is that humans should not be working any job so much that they will develop health problems from it. We should be working 25 hour work weeks on average. THAT should be the new full time. That's the truth.

[@TheUsman141]

I am a software developer. Due to prolonged sitting, i got back pain. I decided to buy a motorized sit stand desk, that helped with backpain but my glutes and calves started paining from prolonged standing. Its always a tradeoff between Back pain and Legs Pain. I decided to try treadmill desk, it did not help the cause. First, it was never comfortable in terms of productivity. Intense brain storming while being on treadmill is not possible for me. Second, after using treadmill desk for some time, my buttocks started giving pinching pain. I decided to give up treadmill desks. Now, i take a 30 minute break every 2 hours. In this break, i go out for a walk and some stretching. This is THE best solution for me. This way, my mind and eyes get the desired break as well. I might have to stay an extra hour in the office, but it is worth it.

[@gionmillie2967]

Balance board when standing has done wonders for my back and hips. I bought one used in case it didn’t work out for me. Give one a try and best of luck

[@shmwmlam3953]

I have same problem. Sitting long time made my spinal discs shift and now I have sciatica. But then standing for long time also started give me leg and ankle pain. So now I am looking for a better solution. Also I dont think treadmill will be useful for me either. It is very hard to concentrate and brain storm while walking

[@rohanofelvenpower5566]

so your solution is to stop fucking working 25% of your shift. yeah ok mr ceo

[@MrChris20912]

My wobble board with a thick rubber matt has been a fantastic in-between solution for me. No space for a treadmill, but I can still get movement so that I'm not standing with my legs straight and my feet aren't nearly as sore as when standing for extended periods of time on the regular floor.

[@awesomesauce3110]

Lift weights.

[@ThomasVanhelden]

I'm a software developer, and I've always liked my standing desk. When becoming a father, I struggled to find time for exercising. I'm not too fond of exercise, and I certainly don't like the time investment when having so little time. I, therefore, was searching for a way to exercise with little time investment. I thought I had found it when I bought an exercise bike that could fit under my standing desk. It was effective when I used it, but I often couldn't be bothered moving it, and sitting/standing was too comfortable. When the bike broke after two years, I bought an under-desk treadmill. This purchase has been an absolute life-changer for me. I find it much more enjoyable than cycling, so I'm able to walk at least two hours a day at 3.5km/h (i.e. 2.17mph). I feel more healthy and energized, without any time investment at all. The fantastic thing is that I have more energy and feel more like exercising after walking for hours during work than I did while sitting down. I have the WalkingPad A1 Pro, and I think it's worth every penny.

[@khalilahd.]

I definitely think standing desks are better and the sit/stand desks are the perfect in between. After studying for hours in a regular desk (sit down desk) I always feel like I’m loosing circulation or that I’m tired being hunched over.

[@ladymistik2930]

So true!! Lower back hurts after hours of hunched over the keyboard. Even with a back cushion

[@katebucholtz739]

I just put a portable walking treadmill under my desk. I am able to sit, stand or walk while working and it has improved my energy.

[@chion2477]

Having a walking desk makes me concentrate so much better

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Awesome!

[@purpleicicles]

Having suffered work-related back pain from a more sedentary role, this was a really useful video! As well as some adjustments to my chair, I was advised to get up every 20 minutes and offered a standing desk. The desk never materialised, but the regular movement has been so helpful already and this video has shown me that a fixed standing desk might not have been the answer anyway. Thank you!

[@jameslongstaff2762]

I'm a programmer and I have a sit/stand treadmill desk. I stop and start walking at different times of the day. I may try walking, but if that gets too distracting, I either slow down or sit down again. It does help to have the option to walk.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Nice!

[@Gabrielarmm]

Thanks for your video, I had a lot of questions about standing desks. Also liked so much all the links you posted, great!

[@chrislsanders]

Great video and spot on! Anything that gets you moving boosts creativity + productivity 👍

[@studywithme444]

Very interesting video! I have a manual cranking sit to stand desk and I find myself reserving the standing for when I’m doing longer study sessions (e.g 3+ hours) beyond that I tend to sit.

[@djkcomputing]

Well done sir... well done! Great information delivered in a concise way. Thank you!👍

[@sandorfarkas2100]

Awesome. Works great and super easy set up. We love it.

[@iMeta4]

I appreciate this assessment. I would be interested in reviewing some of the resources but do not currently have the time to follow up. Thanks for doing the work to make this more digestible. I have an under desk treadmill coming soon to further combat my sedentary behavior.

[@robertshowe2417]

I had a standing desk adjustable, then we moved and I got a regular sitting desk, hated it. Now I have a standing desk again and a tall drafting stool that eliminates my need to adjust it. The result is amazing from how much better I feel. I stand, then sit about 50/50 and then hourly either jump on the exercise bike, do pull ups, or pushups, etc for 3 to 5 minutes (winter here). Result has been feeling far better and blood sugars have improved (diabetic no meds treatment is diet n exercise) I will never go back to a sit down desk if I have the choice. The secret for me was a premium drafting stool.

[@bongosgaming3513]

Thank you for the facts on this matter!

[@allenl9214]

I have a manual, crank style standing desk. Got tired of cranking height. Now I leave the desk at its tallest height but use a high, drafting style Herman Miller chair. No need to lower the desk anymore. When I need to stand, I just get off the high chair. Takes a second. I go back and forth from sitting to standing too many times to count. It has allowed me to work more comfortably and doesnt increase my blood pressure anymore from sitting too long.

[@aleck156]

I've came to a similar conclusions. Drafting stool keeps my abdomen muscles contracted (bracing in) all the time, especially TVA.

[@allenl9214]

@@aleck156 yeah, need to find what is most comfortable for you. I have many other attachments on my work desk like foot rest (for high drafting desk), adjustable keyboard and mouse tray, monitor height that can be adjusted etc. They all combine for the most comfortable experience working in front of the screen

[@tili_]

@@allenl9214 post some pictures my guy

[@allenl9214]

@@tili_ not possible to post on here lol

[@nonclinicalcareerguide]

I currently use a motorized standing desk and love it! I work remotely, and I sincerely missed my standing desk when I had 2 weeks of working at a regular desk at my in-laws during the holidays. As a Physical Therapist, I completely agree that the key is movement! Staying in 1 position constantly (sitting or standing) leads to discomfort. Prior to my standing desk, I did buy a bicycle desk in 2014. I knew someone who had a treadmill desk and lost 70 pounds, but those were too expensive. I found the seat incredibly uncomfortable even if I wore padded biking shorts. I had to stand every 15-20 minutes because my ischial tuberosities couldn't take it! :-) 1st time to watch any of your videos. Amazing quality in all areas: content, video quality, audio quality, and editing! I have subscribed! Keep up the great work!

[@comdo831]

For a human designed with a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in mind, movement is the natural state indeed. PC based workplace is as unnatural as it can get. I feel that sitting and standing only mitigate the worst evils, but don't solve the fundamental issue of movement deprivation. Ideally you'd want to sit or stand for an hour, then wander around for an hour. Unfortunately most PC based workplaces do not offer this much variation.

[@42sonja]

After watching this I think I found the perfect medium for me. I have a sit stand desk and a compact treadmill that is relatively easy to bring in and out. Right now I put my treadmill at an incline and try to make it goal to walk the incline an hour a day. Might be a little much and people can try adjusting as they see best.

[@FrilledMayfly_AmberlyFerrule]

I'm thinking about getting a treadmill under my desk since i really don't move at all. I'm an animator and just general artist so sitting at a desk is basically necessary, having a treadmill under my desk would be perfect for breaks. few years ago i'd do squats or do some weight lifting but fairly quickly stopped. I can feel my body wasting away, so... yeah, probably not great...

[@MrChris20912]

Wobble boards, especially the ones with a thick rubber matt on top, can be a great intermediate solution. Not as expensive or bulky as a treadmill or bike (the one I have was $50), and easy to use with any kind of standing desk. Can do side to side and rotational movement with mine, or just stand straight. Keep in mind, what I'm suggesting isn't one of the full balance boards with a separate board and roller, but an all one piece curved board that will tilt a few inches each direction. Staying on it is easy.

[@mahendarchellaram614]

Hi Dr. Jubbal! Video idea for you! Could you make a vid from the perspective of a non traditional applicant and perhaps have some input from one of your non traditional MSI faculty members?

[@detroitpistonsplayoffs]

Oh you should try one of the treadmill or bicycle desk units this was a really good video and I’d like to hear your first hand opinions on those devices

[@cabbys]

I generally follow your routine but I recently added a foam pad and then a Fluidstance board. They both seem to help with joint/pain issues and improved balance. Perhaps an updated video is in order?

[@tugboathk]

I am a systems engineer and I found traditional sitting desk is fine, as long as you remind yourself to adjust your posture and walk around every now and then. The good thing about sit/stand desk is I can adjust to the height I feel most comfortable with.

[@bobbyg603]

I find that the treadmill desk helps me to power through periods of low-energy. When I have a lot to do, but don't feel like doing it, I can often squeeze out a little extra motivation by going to our condo gym and strapping on a portable treadmill desk attachment. Having a busy schedule, this also serves as a low-cost way to fit an extra hour or light exercise into my day and helps prevent me from falling behind on work.

[@jhonrevelo7186]

Good info, thnx

[@jesswatt5824]

My desk is a drafting table I have adjusted to standing height, my chair is adjustable up to the height of my standing desk! I have a mat to stand on and I switch it and the chair out throughout the day. I stand til my back hurts (my default posture is horrible if I stop paying attention to it) and sit til my hip hurts lol.

[@manhattanofficedesign9256]

The workday posture changed definitely since the introduction of stand up desks, and there is a wide range of possibilities, depending on your particular physical needs and the requirements of his job. From a formal stand up desk, to a dynamic treadmill desk, or a stand up base. There is not a only answer. If you live in NYC, Manhattan Office Design is the place to get the best prices in the best brands of the stand up desk market: Humanscale Furniture, HON Furniture and AIS.

[@bongosgaming3513]

I have a sit stand desk and love it

[@rawrsmashness]

I have a sit-to-stand desk and trialled out a walking pad under it, very nice. I found i could do my work quite easily as a medical transcriptionist back when i was WFH over a year ago. Now contemplating an exercise bike under it, but whether I go with one thats low to the ground or almost stool-height is where I'm a bit uncertain. The price point doesn't concern me as much as the quality of the products I'm seeing on the market, hence the hesitation.

[@88tongued]

I have the treadmill but I suspect that pedaler would take less bandwidth. I think a lot of mental bandwidth goes to keeping my balance and alignment with the computer/paper. If I am sitting and pedaling, I feel like I could just forget about my feet and do it automatically.

[@jerryoben]

Sir, can I say ? Each video still leaves me jaw dropping. I have a question. Do you transcript your videos ?

[@lafamillecarrington]

I made myself a standing desk by adding a small coffee table to my normal desk: cheap and effective. Some salsa steps (other dances are available) help me keep moving, and I have recently made myself a balance board - although I'm not sure I'm enjoying using it as it is difficult (!) and quite tiring. Perhaps you could do a video on the different types of board? I still occasionally sit, bringing the keyboard and mouse down to the normal desk level, as constant standing can also cause pain, and find that the position with the monitor up high is rather good for my posture as it keeps my head up.

[@wad3brown]

I have a treadmill desk and it's difficult to use the mouse with detailed clicks or coding. I have to stop or step off for some work. Great for meetings though. My feet and legs are very tired and sore at the end of the day, so i will be looking at adding a motorized desk to do both.

[@ReeMeePlee]

I find that I stand about 75% to 80% of my time, I just recently got a felt yoga ball I love using this because I'm still engaging my core and it makes it easy to stretch out my hips!

[@grantschmidt6669]

Hey Dr. Jubbal, any thoughts on the research efficiency video?

[@long_fellow]

After a car accident which left me with herniated disc problems in my neck and back, and great pain+nerve pulling when I sit, I started using a standing desk. I now use it/work standing for 12-14 hours a day 5-6 days a week. (I work in consulting) Surely every 1-2 hours I move around the office, get water or go to the restroom for 5-10 mins. Also, I try to make sure I'm taking at least 15-30min breaks every 4-5 hours. Still I'm a bit worried if I'm standing for too long?

[@TakenbyDesign]

Got a standing desk. My knees hurt when I stand. 32F that’s pretty fit. Barbell Weights 2x / week and cycling 3-4x/ week. Foam roll 3-4x/week!

[@Imbalanxd]

I would like to see a study regarding muscle imbalances between the different setups. Thats primarily why I'm looking to change.

[@amineacid1356]

LOVE U KEVIN. WHAT kind of TABLET YOU USING ?

[@slartibartfass5729]

Was sitting my whole life at the desk and on the bicycle. After switching to 95% Homeoffice I needed to find a way to prevent back pain arising after a couple of weeks only sitting each day. For two weeks now I'm using a motorized standing desk with a walking pad walking 5-10k steps the first one to two hours of my working day, sitting the remaining hours through meetings, calls etc. 10k steps on the treadmill is a lot of extra burned calories each day so I'm losing weight as well.

[@lisamarie2456]

I'm considering buying one as since working from home (and due to other factors) I have gained a few lbs and my knees are sore as I sit in them, my legs need something to do whilst I work!

[@daytona712]

Nice shirt !

[@habib580]

I’d like to see you go the iced coffee hours with Gram Stephen. It would be a great podcast for you to take more about finance

[@kerrib1474]

We have the same sit/stand desks throughout our office that you showed, I go to the gym also however, when I sit for eight or nine hours straight a day I can tell it’s just not good for your body. With a sit/stand desks that are automatic you just hit a button you can stand up and sit down and alternate every hour it’s the best and then when you’re standing you could do a little exercises.. leg lifts sidekicks calf raises just while you’re reading it’s great you just gotta get into the habit. I found that setting my watch alarm every hour or two helps. When I found out how much the standing desks were and how much it cost for our entire office it was a shock . however it’s worth it. For me personally , getting to work a little early working through lunch sitting at my desk leaving at five or later I mean think about it,, you could sit for nine hours or 10 hours straight. for me it just was shocking as to how much I sit until I got this desk

[@kerrib1474]

Oh wow. $250 on Amazon ! That’s great. We do not have these same at work but that’s a great deal.

[@alexsainsbury2176]

Treadmill desks are awesome. I think two handed typing could be an issue. perhaps use a split in half style keyboard?

[@kalliemj]

I didn't really notice this issue from your video but one reason why i would opt for a standing desk with a stool rather than a motorized one is because i have seen how wobbly computer monitors can be when you are moving up and down so I've always been too scared to go for that option. I also like the wall mounts more than the mounts that attach to a desk, they are much more stable and its easier to hide the cables in the wall using this system so things just look cleaner. Unfortunitely I moved into a place that was already furnished and the desk that is in the house is so bulky and heavy I can't move it to a storage unit or to another room (the room its in is the only one with a door wide enough to move the desk in and out of). It weighs over 300lbs so I'm stuck with it and I don't love the options that go on top of a desk . I've wanted a sit, stand desk for years but I'm going to have to keep waiting. I'd love some tips on how to prevent weight gain when you have a sedentary job and can't have one of these desks. BTW I tried one of those bikes you put under a desk but I keep hitting my knees on the desk itself since it is not tall enough so it really isn't a good option.

[@1234olegas]

Hi there. I hope you have found a solution. Have you tried the pomodoro timer? You work for 20 minutes straight, have a short 5 min interval and then repeat. Every 2 work periods you get a longer 10 min interval. I use the 5 min intervals to go to the bathroom, since I keep hydrated as suggested in the video. And I use longer intervals to do some light yoga, play the guitar or go for a short walk outside. It works for me.

[@danielwaldner7121]

If you have a decent motorized standing desk like I have the monitor won't shake at all. Even the water in a glass does not really move. It's also very beneficial to get one with programmable buttons/numbers for each position. If you can't easily get rid of the normal desk, you also can get a small manual lifting desk on top of your normal desk

[@ievgeniiiablonsky1161]

What screen are you using? I see it is lg ergo, is it 27 or 32 inch?

[@andrekuznetsov262]

I have a manual lift dual monitor and keyboard stand on my desk. It is really sturdy and goes up or down in one second. It is from ABC mount. Under my desk I have a Xiaomi walking pad. I usually walk at 4km per hour. I love this setup. I walk for an hour, then sit for an hour. By the end of the day, I have walked about 15km. I get tired from standing much quicker than from walking, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but that is the way it is. I have done different computer work while walking, mostly mouse clicking, mostly typing, and a little of both plus talking as a customer service rep. You get used to it pretty quickly and my work accuracy wasn't much worse than when sitting. I would of course sit down if it was a very difficult task.

[@hyejin3385]

Whenever i want to buy starbucks, i would walk going there. Or park my car away then walk the long way. I do this too on groceries or anywhere i go. Park far away then just walk. I dont hav much time for exercise so i try to include the long walks on my everyday chores

[@jonathanhirschbaum6754]

I didnt sit since 2007 when I got my first back pain after coding 12-16 hours per day on a chair. And I mean DIDNT SIT. Except lunch. Never had a back pain again. But when I sit more than 40 minutes, I cant walk after for few minutes, my whole body hurts. Recently I just eat standing at the desk and I feel like im 25, even tho Im 60. But I sit in the car and at the restaurant. Thats it. Yeah, I was standing years before anyone heard about standing desks - best decision of my life

[@davidpt]

I think you missed Always standing is bad and always sitting is also bad. That's why you get an adjustable table so you can stand for some hours and then change to sitting or vice versa. Always being on the desk, whether standing or sitting, naturally requires you to take breaks and go for walks and do stretches, because being sedentary is bad

[@jill3621]

I have an office job with standard 10 hour days. Sometimes I look at my steps for the day it is 150... yes 150 steps for a full 24 hours... so I just bought a treadmill for under my desk so I can mindlessly walk a few hours a day.

[@motorbikeray]

I use a sitting desk at home. When working at my desk I set a countdown timer on my phone for 25 minutes. When the timer alarm turns on I set the timer countdown to 10 minutes and step away from the desk to walk around and do light stretches. When the timer alarm turns on I return to my desk and set the phone countdown timer for 25 minutes and start working. Repeat the process until my work at the desk is finished for the day. Simple.

[@tili_]

i like the style and pacing of your previous video on this topic better. not every channel needs the b-roll meta

[@BeccaL2016]

If I stand too long I also get lower back pain, why is that?

[@StancyInTheCity]

The cheapest alternative is what I have done, just put a Cubii under my regular desk.

[@peters9943]

it always comes down to the same thing...moderation in everything...

[@sedorador4967]

It is about switching between stand and sit. It is not about metabolism, it is about back and other joint paint. Also I can do stretching standing up. Surprisingly how science get it wrong.

[@Health1O1]

If you got back due to sitting too long then stand up if you are not doing a attention required task then walking treadmill is better. Try to synergies thing, no one thing is best do according to situation

[@beachstreet101]

It sounds like no matter what anyone does it’s just no good. Can’t sit, can’t stand, can’t anything. Also sounds like the research is limited. But ultimately the verdict still seems to be that standing is better than sitting if having to choose between the two. And it’s probably to best to just alternate between sitting and standing. I find my strongest cognitive periods are mostly always after exercising.

[@subzero3499]

I spend 12 to 16 hours working from home in front of my monitor Monday to Saturday. Every 2 hours, I take a break to do 6 sets of 1 minute running on the spot, star jumps also mixing with other exercises like planking, push ups etc while maintaining a balanced diet, seems to be working well.

[@lowe7372]

You sir, get a SUBSCRIBE

[@victoriapollard6995]

Lol I know less now than before I watched.

[@faeezf]

Have you heard of the floating desk? It really floats away

[@88tongued]

I'm just gonna go ahead and do the cognitively demanding math study while walking

[@1eurochair225]

To alternate the work standing with the chair, it is indicated for those who are dissatisfied with the chairs, in this way they get to appreciate them, and they will be satisfied with even the worst chairs. The main beneficiaries remain the producers, who no longer have to justify the harm that their products cause.

[@alterego157]

Don't complicate your life. Use a normal desk, make a short pause 30-60 minute to do some light exercise.

[@efivos5362]

1:54 I find this study totally irrelevant because occupation and not standing is the actual factor. Standing occupations are more stressful and the body cannot easily get out of the fight-flight response, whereas sitting occupations are easier to regulate it.

[@mikhailbabushkinum]

Just use kettlebells

[@BKDDY]

Put your PC in a squat rack.

[@ArthurChociai]

Just give me the answer or I will unsubscribe haha!🤣

[@jarrodpohl8729]

How can you spend so long on a video with this title and not actually talk about treadmill or bicycle/other desks? Just unrelated research by others..

[@hgfirewarrior8762]

I couldn't finish this video because you talked too fast