Update on UPLIFT! See How One User's Life Has Changed

Earlier this year, Ryan Brady showed us how he crafted his own desktop to go with the UPLIFT frame. After just a few months of working at his new height-adjustable desk, Ryan has noticed numerous benefits as a result of his new work habits, which he shares below.

Nearly three months ago I made the switch to a standing desk and it’s been a very interesting personal journey. I was in the middle of training for the 2015 Marine Corps Marathon and dealing with flexibility issues combined with back and leg pain. I was starting to grow desperate and I knew I had to make some sort of change to reduce my pain. I used the UPLIFT Desk frame from Human Solution and created my own table top using some pine wood boards from a local home improvement store.

In my research prior to deciding on a standing desk, I had read that some people experienced pain issues with adopting a standing desk. While I initially worried about it, it seemed like it wasn’t too common, and I figured if I hurt I could always try sitting again. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I started my transition with a plan. I started with standing for an hour at a time and sitting for 20-30 minutes. I set alarms on my phone to remind me at first, but as time progressed I changed my standing and sitting durations based more on how I felt and less on a specific schedule. I no longer keep set durations and now just change when I feel like it. I often stand for a couple of hours at a time with brief periods of sitting or leaning and sit for about an hour in the afternoon after lunch. Occasionally when afternoon sleepiness occurs, I simply stand and move around a little while I work.

A few of the accessories I added to my UPLIFT Desk have really helped my transition to standing as well. I use the UPLIFT Dual Monitor Arm and mount one monitor horizontally and one monitor vertically. I’m able to put my typical productivity and communications software on the horizontal monitor, and I write code on the vertical monitor. The monitor arms were easy to install and are very sturdy. I feel less like I have to assume a position in relation to the monitor and more like I’m in control of my workspace configuration at any time. I enjoy the freedom and mobility to move them to whatever position I need for where I’m standing at the moment. I also use the UPLIFT CPU Holder to keep my computer tower off the floor. When I move the desk up and down, I don’t have any issues with cables being too short or snagging on anything.

I am happy to report I have not had any pain issues associated with standing. I have a stool near the desk and sometimes when feeling fatigued from standing, I lean or sit on it for a short time. I find that I sit once or twice during the day, but for the most part standing has become a natural action for me. The primary change I have noticed is a reduction in upper back pain in between my shoulder blades and my lower back. With the desk as the only variable I have changed, I have to conclude it’s the increased standing that has led to the reduction in pain. I take more time to stretch a couple of times a day now that I’m standing, and I’m seeing an increase in flexibility too.

Looking back at the decision to change, I’m very happy with my choice to use the UPLIFT Desk. It’s proving to be a great way to reduce my pain and stay flexible, and I love the ability to stand or sit at will. There is no need to compromise with the UPLIFT Desk; it does everything I need. It’s not uncommon in teleconferencing meetings to have coworkers ask me if I’m standing, and usually a conversation ensues that allows me to share some of my experiences. If you are considering a standing desk, my advice is to give UPLIFT a try!

Create your own healthy office at TheHumanSolution.com.

Related Reads:

• UPLIFT Desk Video Review from The Division
• Guest Post: Why I Chose UPLIFT