So this is my first week of using a standing desk. I first put a $5 7.5” tall lap desk on my regular desk, but it barely fit my laptop, and I needed my extra monitor to be the same height. I was even more convinced to do the standing desk long-term when I used this standing desk calorie calculator and figured out that I could burn over 200 extra calories a day just by standing at my desk for 6 hours a day. For the 5 weekdays, I will have burned over 1000 extra calories, the equivalent of almost 1/3 of a pound!

After experiencing the unsteadiness of the lap desk, I ventured out to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, where I had a gift card. I had read that someone used a shoe rack shelf from Target and thought maybe I could do the same. I didn’t want to spend $200-$800 on a “real” standing desk.

Although Bed, Bath, and Beyond didn’t have the shoe racks mentioned, they did have tall bed raisers—ones that were almost exactly the correct height! They were $14.99 and of course I had a 20% off coupon, making them $12. I checked out and came back to the office to clear off my desk and add them.

BEFORE:

photo (19)

 

AFTER:

photo (20)

Yes, I like a little colorful chaos in my life. I don’t expect Design Star to be calling anytime soon.

So I am on day 3 of standing for about 4-6 hours a day.

How does it feel? It sucks. My feet hurt and my back does too. I sit down during lunch, but have found myself more fidgety, and shifting my weight more often. But, each day does get a little bit easier.

Part of the reason why I switched up my desk arrangement is because something had to change. I already have to wear wrist braces when I type because my chair was too low for the desk, and the masseuse I went to yesterday explained how the way I was sitting (perched on the edge of my seat) was affecting the way my buttock muscles laid across my body. Talk about terrifying.

So, am I doing this for the potential extra weight loss? Sure. But I am also doing it because I’m sick of my body hurting. And if this can help, I am all for it. Also, because I am fairly uncomfortable (breaking a 26 year old habit can be a hard one), I tend to work faster.

I will try to check in with another standing desk update in a few more weeks!

Kelsey Jones

Kelsey Jones

Founder/Chief Marketing Consultant at Six Stories
Kelsey Jones helps clients around the world grow their social media, content, and search marketing presence. She enjoys writing and consuming all kinds of content, both in digital and tattered paperback form.
Kelsey Jones
Kelsey Jones