I spend an awful lot of time at a desk. Whether that is at work or home, I clock an average of around 10 hours sat at a computer. I have been contemplating getting a stand-up desk, to get myself on my feet and healthier. Last month  I was lucky enough to be sent a Varidesk ProPlus 36 to review. I was so excited when the desk was delivered, and I was eager to get it all set up. But my time was limited due to having to process monthly claims. However, I was pleased to find out that the desk comes completely assembled so you can literally just pop it onto your desk and arrange you PC wires to suit.

One of the great features is the flexibility the desk has with 11 height adjustments. You can have it as low as a normal desk, fully up in line with your standing position or have it anywhere in-between. This is particularly useful if you are sharing a workstation or perching on a stool.

Design

The desk itself is well designed with a top display surface and a lower mouse and keyboard area. There is ample space for you to keep your current paperwork and even space for a wireless mobile phone charger! This model holds up to 35lb so plenty of scope for dual monitors, occasionally I will use my 17″ screen laptop along side my PC which all fits nicely. When adjusting the height by squeezing the dual handles , it has a spring assisted lift so you’re not battling against the weight of your monitors. The base is perfectly weighted, in fact you do not notice it’s not bolted down. You can happily type away without the desk moving at all. Inside the package you even have some handy Velcro cable ties which is such a novel bonus! No more trip hazards in my office.

The first two weeks I had the desk I took the challenge of standing for the entire time I was at work. Each night I would go home noticeably tired, so clearly, I was burning more energy. Now however I tend to stand for around half the time. Standing after lunch for example seems to aid with my digestion and really keeps me on my toes to get through my workload.

There are many benefits advertised with using a stand-up desk:

• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Reducing the risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Reducing the symptoms of lower back pain
• Improving your posture
• For every hour of use you burn an additional 50 calories.

I have found that I did tend to get an awful lot of lower back pain, since my initial two weeks of standing this seems to have subsided. However, I did start to get some shoulder pain which I put down to better posture. Again, this subsided after around 7 days use.

I really want to try and shift some weight and having my body idle for up to 10 hours a day while I work, doesn’t help my cause. After over a months use I do feel physically more healthy! Burning 50 calories per hour use soon adds up too, over the course of a year you could burn in excess of 50,000 calories with just standing at the desk for four hours a day. That’s the equivalent of running over 18 marathons!

The health benefits aside, you feel more motivated when standing so you should find productivity will increase too. The price of the Varidesk ProPlus 36 is £365.00. Which in my opinion is well worth the money. Especially with the health and productivity benefits attached. Being so happy with the Varidesk I am currently drawing up a business plan for implementing more into our office!