Standing Desk Protocol

What is Standing Desk Protocol?

Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday using a standing desk. The goal isn't to stand ALL day (that's bad too) — it's to break up prolonged sitting. Stand 15-30 minutes per hour. Reduces back pain, improves energy, and burns extra calories.

Is there evidence for it?

How do you do Standing Desk Protocol?

1. 1.Get a standing desk converter ($100-300) or a full standing desk. Budget option: stack books on your desk to raise your laptop
2. 2.Start with 15 minutes standing per hour, 45 minutes sitting. Increase standing time gradually over 2 weeks to 30 minutes standing, 30 sitting
3. 3.Standing posture: monitor at eye level, elbows at 90 degrees, shoulders relaxed, weight evenly distributed. Use an anti-fatigue mat
4. 4.Set a timer to alternate: every 30 minutes, switch. Standing too long is almost as bad as sitting too long — the magic is in the TRANSITIONS
5. 5.Add micro-movements while standing: shift weight, do calf raises, march in place. The goal isn't static standing — it's breaking sedentary patterns

How long does it take?

No extra time — done during existing work.

Is it hard to start?

easy.

This is one entry from the library Shift matches against. It is general information, not advice about you, and nothing on this page came from anyone's conversation.