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Comment by tptacek | Hacker News Reader

As 'tzs has pointed out repeatedly on HN: it's possible, and, considering the evidence, perhaps even likely that standing desks are worse for you than conventional desks:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4307722

From what I've read, the best approach seems to be to sit, but also to set a timer to get up and walk around for a minute every half hour or so.

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From what I've read, the best approach seems to be to sit, but also to set a timer to get up and walk around for a minute every half hour or so

FWIW, that's exactly what my doctor recommended when I went to see him about back pain. I asked "Um, I hear great things about standing desks?", he didn't even say whatever, he said, "I don't want you to use a standing desk."

That is my take on it as well. I figure that humans probably developed fatty buttocks for a reason.

I find that a good way to "set a timer" is to drink large amounts of water. It's good for you regardless and staying well hydrated should keep you from accidentally sitting still for many hours on end.

I hear people say all the time they drink a lot of water, but when you ask them to measure it out, it's a joke.

The answer to this problem is to sit at your desk with a gallon of water. You'll find you've finished at least 3/4 before the end of the day contrast to the 2-3 cups you'd usually drink.

Yeah, the difference between the amount of water I drink if I am not paying attention to it and the amount of water that I drink if I am actually making a point to drink water is fairly stunning; often up to 3 liters difference.

We've solved this in the Matasano NYC office by:

* Going downstairs for coffee

* Playing a round or two of darts

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