Standing at a desk can burn calories but in a small amount, whereas when you add exercises along with standing, it will be more beneficial in burning calories. Let’s find out How Many Calories Are Burned by Standing Desks.
How Many Calories Are Burned with Standing Desks – Detailed Overview
Indeed, standing does burn calories. When we stand, our body engages large muscles to support movement, balance, and posture. This activation of muscles requires energy, leading to the burning of calories.
Additionally, standing often encourages more fidgeting or movement, contributing to an increased calorie burn. In essence, just being on your feet can make a positive impact on calorie expenditure.
Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health aimed to answer how many calories are burned in various activities. The study involved:
- Seventy-four healthy individuals were fitted with masks measuring oxygen consumption.
- Reflect on their calorie burn during tasks like computer work.
- Watching TV.
- Standing.
- Walking on a treadmill.
- While sitting, participants burned around 80 calories per hour, similar to typing or watching TV.
- Standing resulted in a slightly higher calorie burn than sitting, approximately 88 calories per hour.
- Walking proved to be more effective, burning 210 calories per hour.
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In essence, using a standing desk for three hours would only burn an extra 24 calories, roughly equivalent to the calories in a carrot.
However, the study suggests that a half-hour walk during the lunch break could yield an additional 100 calories burned each day.
This research challenges previous claims about the significant calorie burn from standing alone, providing a more accurate assessment through direct measurement of energy expenditure.
How Many Calories Does Standing Burn?
Standing does burn more calories compared to sitting or lying down. Typically, we burn about 60-120 calories per hour while sitting and 100-200 calories per hour while standing.
Numerous studies comparing calories burned at traditional sitting desks versus standing desks consistently support the idea that standing results in a higher calorie burn. In essence, choosing to stand instead of sitting can contribute to increased calorie expenditure.
>> Read Also: How Do Standing Desks Work
Standing Up Is Very Minor
Standing burns an extra 100 to 200 calories, which is relatively minor and does not significantly contribute to weight loss.
While standing can make a small difference, it needs to be complemented by more substantial efforts. To truly lose weight while standing, incorporating additional movement is crucial.
For instance, during breaks at your home office standing desk, consider having a dance party to burn calories.
Alternatively, go for a light walk, engage in some stretches or yoga, or dedicate an hour to a proper workout at the gym.
These activities elevate your heart rate and are more effective at transforming body fat into muscle. Standing alone is a positive step, but for significant weight loss, it’s essential to pair it with more dynamic movements.
>> Read Also: How do standing desks work
Upgrade to A Standing Desk
Still, if you believe that those extra 100-200 calories an hour can help you get your weight loss and that every little bit helps, you should upgrade to a standing desk to lose a bit of that extra weight.
It can be a bit of a transition, but once you get your body used to standing up while working it can seriously start to burn some extra calories for you.
Pick the right standing desk for you to achieve standing desk calories burned, add some exercises and physical activity to it, and then get comfortable watching the number on the scale drop.
What Exercises Can You Do to Burn Calories With Standing Desk?
Standing can burn calories, but combining exercise with a standing desk can help you burn more calories. There are several standing desk exercises for beginners as well as experienced fitness lovers. You can do these exercises during breaks, before lunch or at the end of the day.
Squats:
If you’re standing for a long time, you can reduce the strain on your legs by doing some squats. To do this exercise, pretend you sit on a chair and then stand back up. This easy exercise can help you get moving and invigorate your legs.
Walking:
Take a brisk walk during breaks or stopping points. Step away from your desk and, if possible, walk outside to interact with coworkers or stroll around your home if you work remotely. Walking not only burns calories but also provides a refreshing break and exposure to sunlight.
Push Ups:
Use your standing desk for incline push-ups. Brace yourself against the desk and perform push-ups in this position. Incline push-ups are beneficial and easier than traditional push-ups, offering an excellent way to engage your upper body.
>> Read Also: How Do I Make A Height-Adjustable Desk
Chair Dips:
If your standing desk is accompanied by an office chair, use it for chair dips. Perform dips by lowering yourself down and then pushing back up using the chair.
Ensure the chair is stable and doesn’t roll to avoid any issues. Chair dips are a great exercise to strengthen your arms and upper body.
Incorporating these exercises into your standing desk routine can not only burn additional calories but also contribute to overall well-being and combat the potential challenges of extended periods of standing.
>> Read Also: How To Fix Desk Chair Hydraulics
Final verdict!
So, How Many Calories Are Burned with Standing Desks? Standing at a desk burns calories but in a small amount. Adding some standing desk exercises to your routine can help you burn more calories and reduce your weight.
FAQs!
Q-1 How many calories do you burn standing at your desk for 8 hours?
Standing for 8 hours burns about 1648 calories, or roughly 206 calories per hour for someone weighing 170 lbs.
Q-2 Can standing for 2 hours burn calories?
Standing burns 70 to 95 calories per hour, depending on gender, age, height, and weight. Standing for two hours can burn calories and increase calorie expenditure over time.
Q-3 How many calories do you burn using a balance board at a standing desk?
Using a balance board at a standing desk can increase the calorie burn rate from 80 to 88 calories per hour, according to a study..
Q-4 Do sit-stand desks help you lose weight?
Sit-stand desks alone may not aid weight loss significantly. Studies examining their effects on various parameters found no conclusive evidence supporting weight loss.
These desks impact factors such as behavior, physiology, work performance, psychological aspects, discomfort, and posture.
Q-5 How can I burn more calories at my standing desk?
To increase calorie burn at a standing desk, consider incorporating:
- Balance boards
- Fidgeting
- Standing desk exercises
- Balance ball chairs
- A stool that engages core muscles
