Standing desks are all the rage among people who want to increase their fitness at work. The desks provide a sturdy surface to work on, but they eliminate a chair — forcing you to stand all day long. There's a lot to love about standing desks (like the fact that you don't spend hours sitting!), but the truth is that it's not all good. Here are some of the pros and cons of standing desks:

Pros:

• Be More Active – The beauty of standing is that it's easier to move around! Instead of having to stand up and move your chair aside to move around, you can just start moving. It's much easier to pace when trying to figure out a tough problem or to fit in a few quick exercises while on the phone or computer. For people who want to be more active, it's a great addition to the office.
• Less Time Sitting – Studies have proven that sitting for more than six hours a day can lead to a wide range of health problems. One of the downsides of sitting is that it weakens your core and gluteal muscles, which affect your posture and mobility. By standing more, you reduce the risk of these postural defects and prevent the health problems that often result from spending too much time sitting down.
• Better Circulation and Energy Production – Many of the people who use standing desks report feeling more energized throughout their day. This is often due to the improved circulation that results from standing and sitting less. The body is able to deliver nutrients to the muscles, organs, and internal systems more efficiently, leading to better overall body function.
• Burn More Calories – Standing increases your metabolism. Sitting slows down your metabolism. It's pretty clear which is better for weight loss in the long run! The more you move around, the more calories you burn. Standing engages your muscles and keeps your body burning calories all day long.
• Better Concentration – Many standing desk users report having better concentration and focus throughout their day. The fact that you're standing helps you to focus on what you're doing, leading to a better attention on your work.

Cons:

• Discomfort – The human body is designed to move around, not stand endlessly. Your knees, hips, back, shoulders, and neck may ache after a long day of standing, and foot pain is one of the most common complaints among standing desk users.
• Tiring – Have you ever tried to stand for more than an hour or two? It's pretty exhausting! Your leg muscles are the largest muscle group in the body, so they use the greatest amount of energy.
• Adjustment Period – Your body won't have an easy time going from sitting all day long to standing for hours on end. It will take some adjustment to get used to standing more. This could mean days or even weeks of joint pain, sore feet, and tired muscles. In the end, it's worth it but it can make for some short-term discomfort that will detract from your work.

Standing desks can be an excellent addition to your office, and they can seriously improve your fitness, mobility, and overall health. However, like anything else, they aren't 100% perfect, so it's vital that you understand the cons as well as the pros.

[Image via Getty]