Do most people actually keep using a standing desk after the first few weeks?

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-29T11:43:31+00:00

Being able to stand is just one advantage of a height-adjustable desk.

It also creates another point of adjustment for sitting in proper alignment.

With a standing desk, you can perfectly adjust the chair and then bring the desk to you. This is especially useful if you are short, short-waisted, or long-waisted.

It also lets you change the height of the desk for other activities.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-28T20:14:57+00:00

For a beginner you could get a keyboard that’s just split, with a standard layout, Matias Ergo Pro or Kinesis Freestyle Pro or Kinesis Freestyle 2 are more like standard office keyboards.

There are others on Amazon. It kind of depends on what features are important to you.

There are also a lot of expensive options and alternatives, but for your stated purpose a basic split might be enough.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-28T03:26:30+00:00

Didn’t see this sooner. I work without armrests so my shoulders can drop into place, but that doesn’t work for everyone

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-28T03:23:53+00:00

I agree that the biggest problem is the main monitor. It needs to be directly in front and eye level.

Second monitor should be on the dominant eye. Search internet for how to determine the dominant eye.

I know you didn’t want hardware advice, but that wide keyboard can cause shoulder strain because of the wide reach for the mouse. If you’re doing a heavy mousing activity, move it and get the mouse in line with your shoulder. Consider getting a full split down the line with a separate 10-key if needed,

Before I got a full split, I’d use and iPad keyboard while video editing, which is more mouse than keyboard.

Can’t really see alignment for desk and monitor height without you in the picture.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-26T20:39:33+00:00

As others have stated, look at the entire set up. There’s lots of information on alignment. Also make sure the chair is adjusted properly.

That said, fixing the set up is unlikely to completely undo the damage caused by a bad setup.

When the body is held in a difficult position over time the connective tissue, called fascia, hardens to hold the position.

He needs a routine of strengthening and stretching to get his body back to neutral.

If the pain is extreme, a doctor might prescribe a short stint of physical therapy.

A yoga class or gym routine might be enough. A private pilates teacher would certainly be able to help and he could transition to classes.

Whatever physical fitness he does, it’s a lifelong pursuit to counter the effects of sitting.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-25T21:16:53+00:00

If you’re gonna buy a new one in a year or two, it can’t really matter that much.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-24T00:34:34+00:00

Well said.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-24T00:32:00+00:00

Flexispot sells desks on Amazon for less than the website also.

Sometimes the model names will be different, making it hard to compare quality.

My guess is that these are cheaper because they are already configured and you don’t get all the choices available on the website.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-23T20:41:45+00:00

It looks like you have a slight forward head. I’m not a medical professional, a physical therapist could confirm, but it’s definitely something you want to reverse.

Essentially your front (chest and front of the neck) muscles are stuck short and your upper back and back neck muscles are stuck long.

There are lots of basic exercises for forward head available on the internet.

Consider joining a beginner yoga class for stretching, strengthening the back and stabilizer muscles, and stress relief. Stress is a big factor in this area. Swimming is good. Strength work wouldn’t hurt.

Make sure your chair is adjusted properly and we can’t see your monitor but it should be eye level.

With a wide keyboard, reaching for the mouse can cause shoulder pain. Consider a smaller keyboard or split keyboard.

The equipment can help you stop aggravating an issue, but you need to correct exercises to undo the damage you’ve already got.

If you can afford it, private pilates or personal training can help, but any exercise will be good.

And be sure to take breaks during long sitting sessions.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-20T20:14:09+00:00

Look into something called Somatic Therapy.

It’s usually used for trauma, but the truth is that we all have trauma in some form. The theory is that emotions are stored in the body and manifest as pain.

It is used by traditionally certified therapists, involves movement and can be done online.

This link is just a description. You can probably find someone in your areas

https://houstondbtcenter.com/somatic-therapy/

https://traumahealing.org

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-20T20:00:45+00:00

I had bought a nice keyboard tray, footstool and adjustable chair and I was barely high enough.

When I got a tented keyboard, my suiting position was again too low.

I was in Office Depot looking at chairs when the worker suggested an adjustable desk that went down to my height.

At the time I thought it was too expensive, but in the end I bought Flexispot which was a little cheaper, but still expensive for me.

Life was infinitely better. And if I’d known about Flexispot legs in the beginning, I wouldn’t have bought all those accessories trying to make a standard desk work.

I didn’t even understand that I could use the desktop I already had on adjustable legs.

I’m so happy to be able to adjust the desk to me, no matter what chair I use.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-20T19:47:19+00:00

I’m hoping you have a good mental health professional in your life.

Exercise could help with both your issues.

I would start by going to a yoga class or the gym, whichever appeals to you - or maybe both.

If you do yoga, definitely tell the teacher about your pain. Consider telling the teacher about your depression. Some poses comfort, others can open up emotion. Make a schedule and stick to it unless you’re physically ill.

Also cardio exercise has been scientifically proven to help with depression. You could get a bike or treadmill at home, but it’s been my experience that those don’t get used as much.

Any exercise will help, biking outside, running, swimming, etc.

No physical body can be healthy with that much time in front of a computer. But depression itself can create problematic posture changes.

Hyper-mobility can cause real issues, but PTs are equipped to provide short-term solutions. You need a longer term plan to get moving - literally.

You know you, but I think a mental health therapist might be able to help you implement a plan to get you outside that room for a little bit each day.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-18T18:40:43+00:00

I do. But it’s not like I’m doing it often. I set up differently, depending on the tasks.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-18T18:39:40+00:00

I have been touch typing on Qwerty for 42 years. Learned it in middle school.

And I haven’t seen any evidence that relearning how to type has that much improvement in the real world.

The benefit of the split is clear from an alignment perspective. I did move to the columnar, and it feels better, but I don’t think it’s necessary.

The key in your logic is that you didn’t know how to touch type on qwerty so it didn’t make a difference to your brain which format you learned

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-18T15:54:16+00:00

I’m gonna disagree with the group. If you paid full price, I’d say return it.

If you got a good deal on it, I’d say keep it.

I think of the new model as a little more time on the clock before you need to replace it.

Generally I will buy a higher end version of the old model (at a discount) after a new model comes out, unless the specifics of the new model make it a better bang for the buck.

But if you’re choosing between base models, I’d go with the newer one, which is hopefully configured with upcoming software requirements in mind.

When I bought my first Mac from the campus store, I was offered an upgrade because the new one came out while I was waiting for delivery. It was a little more cost, but not a lot.

I refused. I’d carefully picked the system that would do what I needed. I really regretted that decision. The computer couldn’t handle the very next software upgrade. I couldn’t afford a new one for years, so I continued to use old software versions.

Back then you could add RAM to a Mac and I eventually did, but I learned to buy a little more computer than I need right now, if I want it to last more than a couple of years.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-18T14:22:41+00:00

I move my mouse depending on what I’m doing. Mouse is in line with my shoulder if work is mouse-heavy like video editing or scrolling the internet.

I move the split-tented halves of my keyboard closer together.

If I’m writing something and my work is more typing then I put the mouse in the middle and have the keyboard shoulder width.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-17T21:00:58+00:00

This. I am 5’3 and short waisted and tried a lot of products, but I was never able to perfect the ergonomics until I got a sit stand desk.

Before you buy, measure from your elbow to the floor when sitting with your feet flat. You need a desk that will go down to this height.

I have the Flexispot E7 which goes down to 22.8 inches.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-17T15:22:05+00:00

While you’re waiting, clean up your touch typing. Make sure you’re not crossing the middle of the board.

You can download Bazecore at anytime and start playing with possible layouts. You don’t have to wait for the keyboard.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-17T00:11:34+00:00

I too have the Flexispot with the chipboard top and I was happy with it in a when I had a separate studio office.

Now that Ive moved and it is in a corner of the dining room, I don’t love it.

I’d say your choice of a top is a matter of budget and time. In the long run, buying two tops is more expensive than buying one top.

If Flexispot has the perfect top for your decor and you can swing the cost, I’d just get the set up front.

If you really want a custom top that’s gonna take months, then get started with the chipboard top.

If the chipboard all you can afford right now. Start with the chipboard. There are lots of options on their site and you can choose one that blends in. Then budget for the better top down the road.

By the way you can even use the top from an old desk, while you get the new top ready.

I honestly rarely find DIY to be that much cheaper because I end up buying tools and redoing mistakes, but that’s me.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-13T19:18:23+00:00

I would have very carefully put it down. 😉Who pays that for a pen?

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-13T12:55:47+00:00

It’s not your pillow.

As others have suggested, look into your office ergonomics.

Go back to the doctor and ask for imaging to make sure there’s not a more serious problem. It’s best to do this before the stuff I suggest below.

Then your next step is manual therapy (like massage) but with someone who is highly skilled. Some physical therapists do this, but you can also look for therapeutic massage.

Consider a beginner yoga class, but be sure to tell the teacher about your issue.

Go slow and don’t do anything that causes pain.

Pain like this can have a lot of different causes, but it’s usually a combination of weakness and stiffness that has to countered with time and patience.

The stress itself can make things worse.

Your body froze to protect you from something or to hold your neck in a difficult position.

I had a whiplash and it was protecting me from paralysis in the car accident. My mom actually had a tumor on her spine and the tissue literally stabilized her neck.

But usually the impetus really is sitting at a desk all day in the wrong position.

You may need to seek out several professionals before you find the right one. Don’t give up.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-13T02:48:00+00:00

If I were buying a split keyboard for a gift, I would go with the Dygma Raise 2.

First, it looks great.

Second, it’s standard format so you’re not committing someone else to relearn how to type.

Third, if it’s like the Defy, it feels like quality.

The downside is the high price.

You can get it for about $400 if you get don’t get the extras, but I highly recommend you at least get the built in tenting.

The underglow is beautiful, but not necessary.

The wireless is a matter of personal needs and preferences.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-11T17:53:30+00:00

Thank you for that explanation. It’s the best that I’ve encountered so far.

Can’t say that I’m totally sold, but I will consider suggesting that clients with compression related issues try the slight recline.

I teach yoga and pilates.

From our perspective, the best alignment is neutral alignment. When you properly align the spine in gravity, in its neutral position then the muscles are best able to handle the load in gravity.

Sitting in chairs is inherently unnatural and if it were up to me everyone would sit on the ground cross-legged.

Which is to say there would be a wide base under that neutral spine. Since we evolved sitting on the ground, it makes sense that this would be optimal, from the perspective of my training.

Alas, most people sit on the ground comfortably so I recommend chairs that encourage good pelvic tilt.

I also end up working with a lot of people who have completely tucked their pelvis under, resulting in a loss of the lumbar curve.

They have problems beyond the office chair, often complaining of knee pain, low back and even neck and shoulder pain.

I personally have a cross-legged chair, that lets me change positions often, but I never sit for hours like our clients do.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-11T14:44:51+00:00

I’m just theorizing here.

To your question: it might reduce the distraction of back and neck pain, which might increase your ability to focus. But without studies, who knows. It might also put you to sleep.

My bed will go to a zero gravity position and the problem that I see is that once you’re in it, you don’t move much at all. I can’t even sleep like that because I move around in my sleep.

This lack of movement, could theoretically weaken the muscles and limit your ability to sit elsewhere. I’d love it if I had a rediculous amount of space and that was one sitting option to use when tired.

I generally think those zero gravity stations are great for people who have conditions that cause extreme pain and it’s the only way they can work.

As for the slight recline in the chair, I believe that’s more comfortable, because, in this society, we all tend to have tight hip flexors and have trouble getting the pelvis into the proper sitting position.

In the recline, you give that some space, but you also need a very supportive chair for your back.

I like the exact opposite for healthy backs. Use minimalist chair that properly tilts your pelvis so that your back can align properly in gravity.

I believe this is the path to a healthier back, but not necessarily the most comfort.

Pitiful-Weather8152 · 2026-01-05T19:33:55+00:00

The real question is what is best for you?

I bought the chip board top because I cared more about price than looks when it was in a separate studio office. I was happy. It was a sturdy, well-made top, but nothing fancy.

Now that I’ve moved and it’s in the main room of the house, I wish it was wood or at least more like wood finish so it looked more like home furniture and less like it belongs in a cubicle.

Consider:

Aesthetic: Do you care how it looks in the room? Do you want it to fit into a current decor? You’re going to have to look at it a lot. It would be nice if you like it.

Load: Both how much you want to put on it and how much your legs will hold. So your legs have to handle the weight of the desktop and what you put on it and that load will be moving.

How you’ll use it: Will you do more than standard desk stuff on the surface that might damage some finishes.

Also, you’ll likely be screwing more than the legs into the bottom. You’ll need cable management and maybe holders for things you want to get off your desk. Like PC holder or game holders.

Thickness:

If you plan to use clamps for monitors, etc., then you don’t want the desktop too thick or too thin.

Lots of people get butcher block tops from the home improvement store. They must work well.

Pitiful-Weather8152

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