Standing desks boost productivity, health

Most people spend their work days tethered to a desk with the occasional bathroom break.

But sitting for long periods of time is actually unhealthy.

Standing desks are a healthy alternative option. Studies show that sitting three hours less per day could extend life up to two years, something Chris Brown appreciated when he switched to a treadmill desk.

A treadmill desk isn’t really for exercise, but to keep one’s metabolism above a resting rate.

The recommended speed while working – less than two miles per hour.

“I can do pretty much anything at the treadmill desk that I can do sitting down behind a desk,” Brown said.

Consumer Reports tested two treadmill desks. They typed, talked on the phone and used the Internet on them.

The $750 Workfit (model #1030) by Exerpeutic wasn't comfortable for some. Several testers complained that their feet kept hitting the motor casing.

"It's not an ideal height for a short person,” said Sue Bryne, senior health editor at Consumer Reports. “Because as you can see my shoulders are hunched up, and if you type for any length of time, it's just, it's not doable."

Testers said it was easier to walk on the $1,500 LifeSpan TR1200 DT5.

Brown says switching to a treadmill desk was worth it.

"I just feel better about myself both physically and psychologically," he said.