I love standing desks. During work, he stands for about 20 minutes every hour to maintain his energy and relieve the pain in his back and buttocks caused by poor sitting posture.
We believe this is a healthy habit that will keep you healthy, active, and maybe even a few pounds lighter. However, new research disagrees with this.
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For new research, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Researchers asked 74 people to sit while using a laptop or watching TV. Next, they were asked to stand while watching television, and finally, they were asked to walk at their own pace.
Participants performed each activity for 15 minutes while researchers measured the calories burned. The study authors found that walking burns significantly more calories than sitting or standing (duh). But you also burn an average of just 9 more calories per hour standing than sitting.
Well, it’s only a few calories. However, it should also be noted that study participants were instructed to move as little as possible while standing. And who among us stands still and does not move? Another limitation of this depressing study is the very small sample size of 74 people.
That said, standing has many benefits beyond weight loss, including improved blood sugar levels (which is key to weight loss) and improved posture.
So if you want to get slimmer, don’t throw away your standing desk (or if you dream of getting one) just because it has less calorie-burning power. Instead, look for ways to move around a lot during your workday. Your waistline and stomach will thank you.
Faye Brennan is Cosmopolitan’s Director of Sex & Relationships, covering all of the brand’s dating, relationships, sex and love content. Follow her on Instagram
