Improve your health and productivity with a versatile addition to your workspace
It’s no secret that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy. A little bit of exercise goes a long way to improving physical and mental well-being. What may not be so obvious is that sitting for 40 hours a week at a desk job constitutes a sedentary lifestyle. You may not feel like a couch potato while typing away at your computer, but your body doesn’t know the difference. Many studies have shown that prolonged sitting is linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer and early death, regardless of how productive you’re being while sitting.
That’s where a standing desk comes in. There’s no law that says you must sit to do your work. In fact, standing for periods of time each day can help improve your productivity and energy levels. It makes a lot of sense to stand during the workday—and a Varidesk makes it easy and comfortable.
The engineers at Varidesk did their homework. They’ve created a series of different models that turn any desk into a standing desk. The Pro Plus 36 is the best-selling model because of its versatility. With a footprint of 36 inches wide and 29.75 inches deep, it will fit on top of most desks. The sleek design will fit in anywhere.
When you order a Varidesk, it comes completely assembled. Once placed on top of your work surface, it is ready to go. Simply squeeze the handles and gently lift the upper platform. It will click into place at the height you feel most comfortable at.
Nobody expects you to stand all day and luckily Varidesk thought of that. There are 11 height settings. When fully raised, the Varidesk adds 17.5 inches to the surface height.
Depending on your height, you may wish to choose one of the lower settings. Even if you’d like to sit at a high stool for part of the day, the Varidesk can be easily adjusted. Lifting is spring-assisted, so it requires little effort. And the spring mechanism is quiet, so you won’t disrupt your colleagues as you adjust your desk throughout the day.
When at the lowest position, your computer is elevated 4 ½ inches, bringing it up to eye level while seated.
Just like you wouldn’t sign up for a marathon without ever practicing, you won’t want to push yourself to stand all day the first time you try the Varidesk. Set small goals for yourself, like standing for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. After a few weeks, you may find it natural to stand for two or more hours at a time. As long as you’re standing for only as long as you are comfortable, you will be getting the most out of the Varidesk.
At 36 inches wide, the Varidesk’s upper platform comfortably holds two computer monitors, or a monitor and a laptop for multiple screen displays. There is space on either side for a mouse—convenient for right-handed people as well as left. The mouse can also be used on the lower platform, which extends out 14 ¼ inches, more than enough space for a full-sized keyboard.
The Varidesk supports up to 35 pounds, accommodating several pieces of electronics and then some. It comes with Velcro-like strips that will help organize wires and cables. It also comes with a no-slip coaster so your cup of coffee is safe when you change the height of your desk.
While a standing desk is hardly the key to weight loss, you do burn more calories standing than you do sitting—about about 114 calories per hour for a 150-pound person, according to American Council on Exercise. Standing is also unexpectedly energizing. You may find yourself more ready for a workout after work.
When you take the plunge and buy a Varidesk, prepare for lots of compliments from your coworkers. With multiple monitors and an air of confidence, they’ll start calling your desk “Mission Control” and you’ll soon have imitators. There’s no better trend to start in your office than a trend toward a healthy lifestyle.
Getting a Varidesk is a no-brainer. The flexibility and ingenious design is what makes it a shrewd purchase—a purchase that may end up adding years to your life.
The Varidesk Pro Plus 36 costs $395. It comes in four colors—Black, White, Butcher Block and Darkwood. Shipping is free.
Varidesk products come with a 30-day guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your new standing desk, the company will pick it up and take it back.
In addition to the Pro Plus series, Varidesk makes cubicle models that fit into corners with no wasted space. They also make models for compact spaces, full desks and accessories like anti-fatigue mats. Take a look at what’s available at www.varidesk.com.
