Standing desk (or any other forced posture improver)

cormie · 20-01-2014 7:13am #1

I need to do something about my posture when I'm at the laptop. I've a pretty small abode and can't really fit a proper desk and chair anywhere. A standing desk was suggested and I think it could be a good idea, they apparently have a lot of good feedback and can really improve both work rate and posture.

I'm thinking something compact that can be folded in against the wall when not in use and that will be sturdy enough for the laptop to be supported on. Maybe I'd need a raised laptop stand and then space for a wireless keyboard underneath so I'm not constantly looking down at the screen and have it at eye level, while my hands can work away at a reasonable height?

Has anyone had experience with them? Any advice and suggestions of one from anyone who's done a bit of research into them and used them and found they help would be appreciated. I know starting off you should not go full into it, so spend 30 minutes standing, 30 minutes sitting, that it's good to switch around anyway and the more you stand, the more you'll get used to it.

Any feedback and links of which to get and where to buy would be great

dede12 · 20-01-2014 7:31am

I know there are sort of back support/wraps you can can wear that will help improve posture. The modern ones are much smaller than the old style braces and are fairly cheap as well. Might be an option that will help you improve it without having to buy new furniture & trying to fit it into a small space. You can find them on amazon, search for something along the lines of posture support/correct/brace.

This is the sort of thing I mean: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=posture+support&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aposture+support

Don't have any suggestions for good standing desks tho, I know my Da used one for a while but they led to varicose veins & some lower back strain so he quickly switched back.

cormie · 20-01-2014 9:19am

Thanks for the suggestion, but I believe I definitely need a new set up for how I actually use the laptop. I've tried similar supports before with not too great results so would be interested in exploring the standing desk idea as it's not also meant to improve productivity/stop you messing about on youtube and the likes when you should be working, but better for overall physical health, standing is better than sitting in more ways than posture I guess

ImARebel · 21-01-2014 10:22am

How about something like this (assuming you're sitting at your kitchen table when working) they can be folded away. A guy I knew had a really bad back and used one of these full time even in the office, he said it was the only thing that kept his back straight.

Hope it helps (or gives you an idea)

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chairs+back+support+knees+bent&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=tjveUuz3M4mTswatkoHwAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1079&bih=480#q=kneeling+chair&tbm=isch&imgdii=_

cormie · 21-01-2014 10:51am

Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I looked into getting one of them before and discovered another type called the saddle chair, which I ended up getting: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chairs+back+support+knees+bent&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=tjveUuz3M4mTswatkoHwAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1079&bih=480#q=saddle+chair&tbm=isch&imgdii=_

Unfortunately, and I believe this is the same as the kneeling chairs, they only work for a few minutes until you start slouching forward again. Maybe a kneeling chair is a bit better but then I read they can be bad for your knees and shins with the pressure shifted there. My physio also said they are a bit gimicky?

I think having the screen raised to eye level so I'm not having to look down (like you're kind of forced to do when using a laptop) is a good idea, but in terms of productivity and actually strengthening and conditioning yourself, I think a standing desk could be good for everything and not just posture control?

ImARebel · 21-01-2014 2:15pm

I used to go to a physio for my knee and her secretary sat in a kneeling chair all the time. So maybe they work for some people and not others?

Best of luck!

biko · 21-01-2014 2:18pm

I posted this over in another forum.

Don't know if this helps anyone but I thought I'd share.
I work sitting in front of a computer all day and have developed a strained mid-back/shoulder blade issue because I tend to slouch when sitting down.

Recently I was thinking it's because my shoulders drops forward and how to prevent that.
From my days doing martial arts I remembered the Tasuki and have started to use this with pretty good results.

It doesn't really pull the shoulders back as much as it prevents them from falling forward when leaning over the computer.

Anyway, if you have "between the shoulder blades" pain when working this may work for you too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GumtN3IVL_c

cormie · 21-01-2014 6:51pm

Thanks again for the replies,

That's interesting Biko, I've the same issue, it's just so easy for me to slouch forward. I've had some terrible posture and strength related injuries in the last few years and need to make some important changes. Surprised nobody has replied about having used a standing desk, I thought they were pretty popular?

cormie · 24-01-2014 12:29pm

There doesn't seem to be a lot out there for laptops. This is probably the best I've come across so far:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK4yYENEtHA

I've a very compact set-up, I just use the laptop and that's pretty much it. I'd be happy to buy a wireless keyboard to get the proper posture as shown here. Most of the standing desks I've seen seem to be for a big desk set up where you can have dual displays and for people who keep a lot of stuff at their desk. I just want something small and adjustable for sitting and standing. Something around this width would be ideal: http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/40242177/ and then just have it adjustable to sit/stand positions.

cormie · 28-01-2014 11:29pm

Pretty surprised there doesn't seem to be anyone else after one of these on boards.. Here's some options after an hours googling:

http://www.ergotron.com/ProductsDetails/tabid/65/PRDID/737/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Video on above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zedld2iJIfg

http://www.modernchair.com/conset-501-78ws-electric-height-wall-mounted-adjustable-desks.html

http://www.innovativeessentials.com/sit-workstation-p-434.html

http://www.innovativeessentials.com/conset-501-sit-stand-electric-lift-adjustable-height-desk-p-1183.html

cormie · 29-01-2014 11:17pm

I propped my laptop table up on my bed and have been standing for the last 2 hours or so at the computer. I must say, it feels pretty good. I would have been in pain long ago and moving about uncomfortably so I think I'm definitely going to invest in one of these. I found this which looks like a great deal, shipping and import duties would be a killer though:

http://www.amazon.com/Safco-1929MO-Adjustable-Stand-Up-Workstation/dp/B001MS7106/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_17

cormie · 30-01-2014 12:32am

Ok, I know I seem to be talking to myself here but I'm posting anyway incase somebody else is in the same shoes. I found the above on amazon.co.uk and it's worked out at £247 delivered. I just placed an order. There's no much in terms of demonstrations and the likes out there on youtube so I might do a video review and assembly once I get it.

Here's the link and from what I could see the cheapest place to get them delivered to Ireland: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001MS70Z2/ref=pe_385721_37986871_TE_item

boogiewonder · 21-08-2014 1:09pm

how about this?
standingdesk.ie

Standing desk (or any other forced posture improver)

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