As we move into the future, there are a number of very positive changes happening in the workplace. It seems each day that we are becoming more aware of office ergonomics, and that more and more people are making positive changes that ultimately will bring long term health benefits.
Among this change is the way that companies are treating their employees, and that more and more we see companies shift their focus to the health and well-being of their staff, and the dramatic shift from sedentary cubicle offices to the modern, open-floor office with a mixture of tables, standing workstations, and more ergonomic office furniture.
As people are becoming more aware of the damage that an overly sedentary lifestyle may cause, many have turned to alternative options such as standing desks in order to spend a little less time sitting during the day.
However, standing all day, which many people with jobs that require long hours upright would already know, brings a new issue of muscle and joint fatigue that can eventually lead to costly and painful musculoskeletal disorders. This is where a standing mat is bound to help.
Standing mats provide a thin layer of cushion between your feet and the ground, but don’t let the simplicity fool you, as the mat will ensure greater muscle activation and therefore less joint fatigue throughout the day.
How does a standing mat work?
If the previous sentence confused you a little, don’t be concerned, you are not the only one! Many people ask, “how does MORE activation mean LESS fatigue?”. Well, in the end the answer is quite simple, but first we’ll explain how the mat ensures this higher level of muscle activation.
There are different styles of standing mat, however with all of them the basic premise is the same. They are made out of a spongy material and are approximately 1-inch thick, providing as we said a small layer of cushion between you and the floor.
Now, since this layer is soft and spongy, it is actually slightly unstable, unlike solid ground. Although you may not feel it, you will be moving ever so slightly and your muscles will be activated in order to maintain stability and balance.
Therefore, although sounding slightly contradictory, it is the instability that is the true key to a mat’s effectiveness.
Now, back to answer the original question, “how does this cause less fatigue?”.
Well essentially when you stand on solid ground, this muscle activation is not necessary, and you are more likely to relax these muscles completely and therefore bear most of your weight through your joints. By doing this you are more likely to suffer from sore joints and feet throughout the course of the day, and ultimately feel much more fatigued and sore from long standing periods.
The Right Standing Mat for You
We’re going to break this down for you into sections, and that way you will be able to see what factors make each mat different, and what you should look for when you buy one.
Type
There are three main types of standing desk mat that would be useful for you if you spend long hours on your feet:
- Flat standing mat
- Non-flat standing mat
- Active standing mat
Flat standing mat
The flat standing mat is the original and simplest type of standing mat that you can find. As the name might suggest, it is flat all over and designed to do exactly what we explained above. This is ideal if you only need a mat for standing, and you are not looking for any additional activity while you work.
Non-flat standing mat
The non-flat standing mat is the next step up for the basic mat. Again, as the name implies, this mat is not flat all over. There are many variations in shape for this type of mat, but the real trick is the variety of ridges and bumps on the surface. These allow the user to stretch their legs in a number of different positions.
Many people prefer non-flat mats especially if you are more active while you stand. If you have the habit of constantly moving your legs, then this mat will allow you to do so.
Active standing mat
Finally, there is the active standing mat. These products go one step further into the realm of activity. There are products with a type of “swing” for your feet, or grooves in which you can place massage balls in order to massage your feet.
Although some may argue it is a little over-the-top, others find there are benefits to having these extra additions to the mat. One thing is being able to move your legs freely, as some users have claimed that it has been a great way to loosen up their tight muscles and joints, Additionally, the massage balls are amazing way to include some myofascial massage for your feet which is very relaxing and can help release tight muscles.
Size
Something to be weary of is the size of the standing mat. Not everyone has the luxury of a large desk or big office, so there can be restrictions with what you buy. Understandably, a non-flat mat and an active mat are a bit bulkier than a basic mat, and more difficult to store away, so if you are limited for space you may have to consider this.
Durability
When looking for the best standing desk mat one of the keys will be checking its durability. See what the reviews of other users say when it comes to how it holds up against wear and tear, and how easy it is to clean.
Ultimately, we choose to use these types of mats in the office, however there’s no limit to where they can be used. Many people like having them for the kitchen and other parts of the house where you stand often, so buying a durable and easy-to-clean mat would be better in these cases.
Bevel
The bevel of a mat refers to the edges and how flush they sit with the floor. Most flat mats will have contoured, or beveled, edges which makes the profile of the mat very low and removes the risk of tripping and falling near your desk. This is certainly something to keep in mind for a home office where other people, including children, could trip on the mat.
Cost
The overall cost of a mat depends mainly on the manufacturer and the type of mat you buy. A flat mat will be the cheapest, ranging anywhere from $30 – $80, whereas an active mat or non-flat mat will be a bit more expensive, most likely in the $60 – $150 range.
Really, if you are looking for a more pleasant experience and a far more ergonomic standing workspace, then we believe a small $30 – $150 investment is well worth it.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, choosing a standing desk mat comes down to personal preference, and there are a number of styles and options that we are sure there is something there for everyone. Most importantly is just finding a product that suits the way you work and your lifestyle, because in the end you want to be using this product as much as possible. You are definitely better off buying a basic mat that you use everyday, than an expensive one that you use once a month.
Also, there is much more to ergonomics than just a standing mat obviously, you must make sure that when you use one you are also standing correctly and using all your other office products in the most ergonomic way.
Lastly, if you are looking for even more activity in the office then there are plenty other kinds of office exercise equipment that will make you far more active during your regular 9 – 5. Treadmills, under desk equipment, and many other products have been developed for people who are looking for extra ways to get more active and be less sedentary in their day to day lives.
So there you have it, our guide to standing desk mats. We hope this will make any future purchase decisions easier for you and that you are able to reap the benefits of this simple product.
