WFH

How to Get Your Steps in While WFH

Use this guide to learn the best way to get the recommended number of daily steps in while working from home.

If you work at a desk for 5+ hours every day, it can seem nearly impossible to get the recommended amount of daily steps in.

The truth is, sitting still all day isn't natural for the human body. Recent studies found that sitting reduces muscle activity in your legs and impairs your ability to utilize sugars, increasing insulin resistance and elevating blood pressure. All of this increases your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This is why getting up from your chair regularly throughout the workday is imperative for good health. But how do you know how much standing time you need? Well, it depends on what kind of work you're doing.

A good place to start is to take at least 30 minutes every day to stand up or walk around to help decrease swelling, back pain and fatigue while allowing your brain some time to recharge itself before returning to work.

How Many Steps Do You Need To Take?

Now that you know why steps are important, it's time to look at the magic number. The average person should aim for 10,000 steps per day. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all deal and depends on your age and activity level as well.

In general, the more active you are through other forms of exercise like running or swimming, the fewer steps you need to take each day. So, whether this means going up stairs instead of using an elevator or standing up while watching TV — get those legs moving!

If you’re able, a great way to combat the effects of sitting is with a standing desk. This will help you get more steps in without having to leave your house! When standing, you can burn anywhere from 100 to 200 calories an hour, which is the equivalent of calories burned by taking 2000 - 4000 steps.

The Top 3 Benefits of a Standing Desk

1. Your Body, and Your Back, Will Thank You

Most people don't realize the toll a day of sitting takes on your body: not only do you burn fewer calories, but you can also suffer from poor posture, which is linked to chronic back pain and other issues.

A standing desk will also allow you to frequently change positions and encourages active movement throughout the day — decreasing your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. With a standing desk, you can work more ergonomically while improving your health.

2. Increase Productivity

Standing desks have also been proven to improve posture and focus as well as increase productivity by up to 15 percent.

3. End the Work-From-Home Slump

If you're working from home due to COVID-19 or another reason, having a separate space for your office is important to keep your productivity up and prevent burnout. The last thing you want is for your bed or couch—where you'll be spending most of your downtime—to become associated with work rather than relaxation. A standing desk gives you a designated workspace that's easy to set up anywhere in your home, whether it's in an extra room or just tucked away in the corner of your bedroom.

So by getting up from your desk every once in a while, not only are you improving your health - you're also making yourself more productive while you work!

Excited to Revamp Your Office Space?

After learning more about the benefits of standing desks, you may find yourself itching to switch up your setup!

To help you with redesigning your space, check out our Design My Office quiz. It'll provide personalized office furniture recommendations based on your needs and preferences.

If you’ve already got a plan in mind, head over to our selection of home office furniture to find what you need. Our top-rated desks and office chairs are ergonomic, thoughtfully designed and made to last. So change up your setup and get those steps in!

Get the latest delivered to your inbox

On new furniture, exclusive sales and more.