What we purchased: The standing desk I selected after researching the hell out of the competitors

Once I began working from dwelling 5 years in the past, my chair was the ground and my desk was a stool. I used to be allowed to kind with two fingers when the newborn on the ground subsequent to me was napping or in any other case occupied. So actually, any desk would have been an improve, however as soon as I knew working from dwelling was going to be my actuality long-term, I went all in and purchased a motorized standing desk.

After some analysis and plenty of YouTubing, I settled on an Uplift V2, choosing the curved bamboo desk prime within the 42-by-30-inch measurement with the usual (non-commercial) C-frame. I sprung for the superior keypad, as Uplift recommends, and picked the storage grommet inserts, pondering I’d wish to put pens or a drink in there (I don’t).

I thought-about just a few different corporations together with Autonomous, Vari and Fully once I was deciding which desk to get. Again once I ordered, the choices from Uplift felt probably the most complete, with a slew of measurement, colour and desktop materials customization choices, they usually had probably the most equipment.

That’s one thing you’ll discover as you configure your desk: there are an enormous variety of add-ons obtainable. Most likely probably the most surprising is the under-desk hammock, however that’s solely obtainable for desks 72 inches huge and bigger, so I did not get one. Plus I personal a sofa. Mine got here with two free equipment once I bought it a pair years in the past, however fortunate patrons in the present day get six freebies. I went for the free rocker board, which I don’t use, and now want I’d grabbed the cushioned standing mat as an alternative. I additionally picked the bamboo under-desk drawer, which I exploit every day, crammed with just a few of those metal storage bins.

In the event you flick thru the picture galleries on Uplift’s web site you’ll discover idealized workplace setups, with a curious lack of cables on, beneath or snaking away from the desks, as if shopping for one will by some means make wireless energy transmission a actuality. Seems that’s not the case, however Uplift does provide a variety of methods to route and conceal these still-necessary cords. Each desk comes with a wire administration tray that mounts on the rear underside of the desk, together with cable tie mounts to maintain wires up and out of the best way. I paid $35 additional for the magnetic cable channel which retains the reasonably thick cable that powers the desk routed towards the desk leg.

As soon as the desk arrived, it was pretty straightforward to assemble following the video instructions. What stood out to me most about my new workplace furnishings was the load. It’s heavy. Every leg comprises three nesting sections of metal with a metal crossbar up prime. I’m positive my bamboo desktop is among the many lighter of Uplift’s choices, but it surely’s nonetheless substantial. Contemplating how little something wobbles because it raises and lowers, or when it’s 45 inches off the bottom, I feel the heft is an efficient factor.

After the desk was assembled, it took just a little fussing to get the cables hidden in a method that considerably resembled the minimalism you see within the Uplift gallery pictures. It helps to raise the desk to its full peak whenever you’re establishing so you may get beneath there to work with the plugs, energy strips and cable ties – one thing I want I’d realized earlier than I spent an hour hunched beneath there whereas it was at normal-desk peak.

Lifting and decreasing the desk is an easy push-button operation. The usual (aka free) keypad solely has up and down buttons, which you press and maintain to regulate the desk’s peak. Uplift “recommends” paying the additional $40 for a sophisticated keypad that permits you to program 4 completely different peak settings; I gave in to the upsell, however I’m glad I did. If it’s essential go from sitting to standing or the opposite method round, simply push a numbered key and the desk adjusts all by itself. I solely use two pre-programmed positions – a sit and a stand peak – but it surely’s good to have the choice of extra settings. For instance, if I ever wish to make use of that steadiness board, I’d want a pair additional inches.

The operation is impressively easy and virtually silent. Throughout working hours, my cat stations himself on the nook of my desk and doesn’t wake from a nap once I change heights. I modify the desk 4 instances a day, beginning off standing, switching to sitting for lunch and staying seated for an hour or two after. Once I begin to really feel that afternoon hunch, I’ll elevate the desk again as much as standing, which (paired with a cup of tea) often helps with focus. Then simply earlier than quitting time, I sit down for the final hour or so, pushing the standing button once I log out so it’s prepared for tomorrow. I’ve been roughly following that sample for 2 years and the motors are performing precisely as they did once I first received the desk. Other than just a little dulling within the desktop end the place I’ve my mouse, the whole lot nonetheless feels and appears new.

You’ve in all probability heard it stated that your healthiest working place is your subsequent one, that means you shouldn’t keep in any posture for lengthy. Having an adjustable desk doesn’t essentially clear up the issue of dangerous ergonomics – standing nonetheless all day is almost as dangerous as sitting – however I’ve discovered once I’m standing, I’m far more apt to step away and get in a stretch, and even tempo a bit once I’m trying to find my subsequent phrase. The Uplift desk is worlds away from a stool on the ground, and I don’t suppose I may ever return to only a common desk once more.