The Problem: Sitting Was Destroying My Body
I sat 10-12 hours/day. Coding, meetings, gaming. My chair was ergonomic (Herman Miller Aeron). Didn’t matter.
Symptoms after 6 months:
- Lower back pain → constant dull ache, sharp pain when standing up
- Tight hip flexors → felt like my hips were locked in sitting position
- Afternoon energy crash → zombie mode by 2pm, needed coffee to function
- Weight gain → 15 lbs in 6 months despite same diet
I tried “good posture.” I set 30-minute reminders to stand and stretch. Didn’t help.
The problem wasn’t how I sat. It was that I sat all day.
Sitting posture (even “good” posture) compresses spine; standing distributes weight naturally
Why Standing Desks, Not Just “Stand More”
I tried standing at my regular desk. Two problems:
- Wrong height: My desk is 29” tall (standard). Ergonomic standing height for my 5’10” frame: 43”. I’d have to hunch over.
- No flexibility: Once I got tired of standing, I’d sit. No middle ground.
Standing desks solve both:
- Adjustable height: Raise to standing (43”), lower to sitting (29”)
- Seamless transitions: Press button, desk moves. Takes 10 seconds.
The key isn’t “stand all day.” It’s alternate sitting and standing throughout the day.
Desk Choice: FlexiSpot E7 Pro
I chose the FlexiSpot E7 Pro after researching 12 models.
Standing Desk Comparison
| Model | Price | Height Range | Max Load | Noise Level | Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlexiSpot E7 Pro | $550 | 22”-48” | 355 lbs | <45 dB | ✅ |
| Uplift V2 | $650 | 25”-51” | 355 lbs | <50 dB | ✅ |
| Fully Jarvis | $600 | 24”-49” | 350 lbs | <50 dB | ✅ |
| IKEA Idasen | $550 | 25”-50” | 155 lbs | <50 dB | ✅ |
| Vari Electric | $650 | 25”-50” | 200 lbs | <50 dB | ✅ |
Why FlexiSpot E7 Pro:
- 22” minimum height → I can use it as a low desk for sitting on floor (meditation, stretching)
- 355 lb capacity → My setup (monitor, laptop, speakers, etc.) weighs ~80 lbs. Plenty of headroom.
- <45 dB noise → Quieter than competitors. I can adjust during Zoom calls without being heard.
- Dual motor → Each leg has independent motor. More stable, faster adjustment (1.5”/sec).
- 4 memory presets → Sitting, standing, monitor height for video calls, floor height.
Uplift V2 is excellent but $100 more. IKEA Idasen has lower weight capacity (155 lbs). Vari is overpriced.
FlexiSpot E7 Pro is the best value.
Desktop Choice: 60”× 30” Butcher Block
The FlexiSpot E7 Pro is a frame only. You supply the desktop.
Options:
- FlexiSpot laminate tops: $150-250 (cheap, lightweight, boring)
- IKEA Karlby: $200 (popular, but particle board under veneer)
- Butcher block: $300 (solid wood, durable, looks incredible)
I bought a 60”× 30”× 1.5” acacia butcher block from Home Depot ($280). Sealed it with polyurethane ($20).
Why butcher block:
- Solid wood → Won’t sag under monitor arm tension
- Beautiful grain → Looks like $2,000 custom furniture
- Repairable → Scratches sand out. Laminate doesn’t.
- Heavy → 65 lbs. Adds stability to desk frame.
Downsides:
- Requires sealing (polyurethane or oil)
- Heavy (need help moving it)
- Expensive ($280 vs $150 laminate)
Worth it. The desk looks amazing.
Acacia butcher block with polyurethane finish-looks like custom furniture
Assembly: 90 Minutes Solo
Step 1: Assemble Frame (60 minutes)
Instructions are clear. Process:
- Attach crossbars to legs (8 bolts)
- Attach control box to underside of crossbar
- Plug motors into control box
- Attach keypad cable
Common mistake: Don’t over-tighten bolts until everything is aligned. Hand-tight first, then wrench-tight.
I assembled alone. Took 60 minutes (instructions say 30 minutes with 2 people).
Step 2: Attach Desktop (20 minutes)
- Flip desktop upside-down on carpet (protects finish)
- Position frame on desktop (centered, 2” from front edge for leg clearance)
- Drill pilot holes
- Screw frame to desktop (12 screws)
The butcher block is pre-drilled at standard spacing. If using custom desktop, measure twice.
Step 3: Flip and Test (10 minutes)
Carefully flip desk right-side-up. Get help. My setup weighs 145 lbs total (80 lb butcher block + 65 lb frame). I used a furniture dolly.
Plug in desk, test motors:
- Press UP → desk raises smoothly
- Press DOWN → desk lowers smoothly
- Set 4 memory presets (sitting, standing, video calls, floor)
No wobble, no noise issues. Perfect.
Frame assembled and attached to butcher block desktop before flipping
Ergonomic Setup: Getting Heights Right
Sitting Height (Preset 1)
Elbow rule: When sitting, elbows should be at 90° with forearms parallel to floor.
For my 5’10” height:
- Desk height: 28.5” (slightly below standard 29”)
- Chair height: 18” (Aeron adjusts to this)
- Monitor height: Eye level (top of screen at eye level)
Standing Height (Preset 2)
Same elbow rule: Elbows at 90°, forearms parallel to floor.
For my 5’10” height:
- Desk height: 42.5”
- Monitor height: Eye level when standing (I raise monitor arm)
Common mistake: Standing desk too high. People think “higher = better.” Wrong. Shoulders should be relaxed, not shrugged.
Video Call Height (Preset 3)
For Zoom/Teams calls, I raise the desk slightly (44”) and stand. Camera angle is more flattering (looking slightly down vs up).
Floor Height (Preset 4)
I set preset 4 to 24” (low height). I sit on the floor for meditation and stretching breaks. Desk acts as a low table.
Standing Mat: Mandatory Accessory
Standing on hard floor for hours = foot/knee pain.
I bought the Ergodriven Topo mat ($100).
Why not a flat mat?
Flat mats provide cushioning but no movement. The Topo has:
- Raised edges → Stretch calves by standing with toes raised
- Center dome → Massage feet, encourage weight shifting
- Slanted surfaces → Multiple standing positions
Result: I subconsciously shift positions throughout the day. No foot fatigue.
Cheaper alternative: Amazon basics anti-fatigue mat ($25). Works, but no terrain features. Get tired standing after 60-90 minutes.
The Topo lets me stand 3+ hours comfortably.
Ergodriven Topo mat: raised edges for calf stretches, center dome for foot massage
My Daily Standing/Sitting Schedule
I don’t stand all day. I alternate every 60-90 minutes.
Typical day:
| Time | Position | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Standing | 90 min |
| 9:30 AM | Sitting | 60 min |
| 10:30 AM | Standing | 90 min |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch break | - |
| 1:00 PM | Standing | 90 min |
| 2:30 PM | Sitting | 60 min |
| 3:30 PM | Standing | 90 min |
| 5:00 PM | Done | - |
Total standing: ~5-6 hours/day Total sitting: ~3 hours/day
I don’t follow this rigidly. If I’m in flow state coding, I’ll stand for 2+ hours. If I’m on a long Zoom call, I’ll sit.
The desk makes transitions effortless. Press button, wait 10 seconds, continue working.
Health Improvements: Measurable Results
1. Back Pain: Gone
Before: Constant dull ache, sharp pain when transitioning from sitting to standing. After: Zero back pain after 3 months.
Why?
Sitting compresses the lumbar spine. Standing distributes weight through the legs. Alternating prevents either position from causing strain.
2. Energy Levels: No More 2pm Crash
Before: Zombie mode by 2pm. Needed coffee to function. After: Sustained energy throughout the day.
Why?
Sitting slows circulation. Standing increases blood flow and keeps the body engaged. I feel more alert.
3. Weight Loss: 8 lbs in 3 Months
Before: 185 lbs (15 lbs gained in 6 months of full-time sitting) After: 177 lbs (lost 8 lbs in 3 months of standing)
Calorie burn:
- Sitting: 80 calories/hour
- Standing: 120 calories/hour
Extra burn: 40 calories/hour × 5 hours/day = 200 calories/day
Over 3 months: 200 cal/day × 90 days = 18,000 calories = 5 lbs of fat
The remaining 3 lbs came from improved diet (more energy = less junk food).
4. Productivity: 15% Faster Task Completion
I tracked coding task completion times (using Toggl).
Before standing desk: 52 minutes average per task After standing desk: 44 minutes average per task
15% productivity gain.
Why?
Standing keeps me more alert. I don’t zone out or browse Reddit. I stay focused.
Power Consumption: 5W Idle, 180W Active
Measured with Kill-A-Watt:
| State | Power Draw |
|---|---|
| Idle (not moving) | 5W (control box stays on) |
| Raising desk | 180W (dual motors active) |
| Lowering desk | 160W (motors active) |
Raising/lowering takes 10 seconds. I adjust 6-8 times/day.
Daily usage: 8 adjustments × 10 seconds = 80 seconds active Daily energy: (180W × 80s) + (5W × 86,320s) = 0.12 kWh/day
Cost per year: 0.12 kWh/day × 365 days × $0.12/kWh = $5.26/year
Negligible.
Noise Level: 43 dB (Whisper Quiet)
Measured with decibel meter at 3 feet:
| Action | Noise Level |
|---|---|
| Idle | 0 dB (silent) |
| Raising desk | 43 dB |
| Lowering desk | 42 dB |
For reference:
- Whisper: 30 dB
- Quiet library: 40 dB
- Normal conversation: 60 dB
I can adjust the desk during Zoom calls without being heard. Teammates have never commented on noise.
The FlexiSpot E7 Pro is quieter than competitors (Uplift V2 = 50 dB).
Stability: Zero Wobble at 48” Height
I tested wobble at max height (48”):
Lateral wobble (side-to-side): 0.2” when pushing hard Front-to-back wobble: 0.1” when pushing hard
During normal use (typing, using mouse), there’s zero perceptible wobble.
Why?
- Dual motors: Each leg adjusts independently, preventing racking
- Heavy desktop: 65 lb butcher block adds damping
- Wide base: Legs are 48” apart (desktop is 60” wide)
Some cheap standing desks wobble at 40”+. The FlexiSpot E7 Pro is rock-solid even at 48”.
Issues and Limitations
1. Adjustment Speed: 1.5”/sec (Slow)
It takes 13 seconds to go from sitting (28”) to standing (43”).
Not a big deal, but faster desks exist (Uplift V2 = 1.6”/sec).
I use the transition time to stretch or refill water.
2. No Bluetooth/App Control
Some desks (Uplift V2, Jarvis) have Bluetooth apps for scheduling reminders.
FlexiSpot E7 Pro has no app. You press physical buttons.
I don’t care. I don’t need reminders-I naturally adjust when I feel like it.
3. Desktop Not Included
The frame costs $550. The desktop costs $280 extra.
Total: $830 (vs competitors that include desktop for $650).
But I wanted butcher block. Pre-included desktops are laminate (cheap, ugly).
Worth paying extra for quality.
Cost Breakdown: $830 Total
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| FlexiSpot E7 Pro frame | $550 |
| Acacia butcher block (60”×30”) | $280 |
| Polyurethane finish | $20 |
| Ergodriven Topo mat | $100 |
| Desk cable tray | $25 |
| Total | $975 |
Compare to:
- Budget standing desk: $300 (Flexispot EN1, wobbles at 40”+)
- Premium standing desk: $1,200 (Uplift V2 with desktop)
My setup: $975, high-quality, looks amazing.
ROI calculation:
- Health benefits: Back pain gone (priceless)
- Productivity gain: 15% faster = 1.2 hours saved/day
- Value: 1.2h/day × 260 workdays × $50/hour = $15,600/year
Even 1% productivity gain ($156/year) pays for the desk in 6 years.
15% productivity gain = desk paid for itself in 3 weeks.
Should You Get a Standing Desk?
✅ Get one if:
- You sit 6+ hours/day (office workers, coders, writers)
- You have back pain or tight hips from sitting
- You experience afternoon energy crashes
- You value health and longevity
- You have the budget ($600-1,000)
❌ Skip it if:
- You already move frequently throughout the day
- You have knee/foot issues that make standing painful
- You’re on a tight budget (<$300)
- You work from cafes/coworking spaces (not a permanent desk)
Verdict: Best Health Investment I’ve Made
The FlexiSpot E7 Pro transformed my workday.
Before: Back pain, energy crashes, weight gain, poor posture. After: Pain-free, sustained energy, weight loss, better focus.
$975 is expensive. But for a tool I use 8 hours/day, it’s worth every penny.
Rating: 5/5
Recommended? If you work at a desk full-time, buy one immediately.
Next Steps: Optimizing Further
Now that my desk is dialed in, I’m exploring:
- Treadmill desk attachment (walking while working)
- Balance board (active standing, core engagement)
- Cable management tray (hide all cables under desk)
The ergonomic rabbit hole continues.
Setup time: 90 minutes (assembly + desktop finishing) Last updated: August 14, 2025