Find the right accessory for your stand-up desk, with these standing desk mats all tried and tested over a period of weeks in our offices at Hammersmith.
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The best standing desk mats
Using a stand-up desk might look strange, but sometimes standing out is worth it to reap the health benefits. Standing, the studies show, help prevent diabetes, heart disease, depression and obesity - so why aren't we all doing it and using a stand-up desk?
One reason could be that many who try to use one give up because they find it uncomfortable. However, this need not be the case. A good standing desk mat can make all the difference.
Here's three desk mats and one anti-fatigue balance board I’ve personally reviewed
Yo-Yo MAT Mini
Easy to move and store thanks to its size (56x46cm) and handle, it also offered some good support thanks to its medium-fi rm feel underfoot. Its portability means it’s easy to alternate sitting with standing, as often as you like. However, the smaller surface area means there’s less space to spread out. As movement is so key to back health, this could be a negative factor. Cost: £36.63 (Find mat here)
We rated it: 7/10
Yo-Yo MAT Medium
Made with a high-density core to ensure product longevity. Beveled edge design and no-curl edges reduce the trip hazard while the non-slip bottom keeps mat in place. A softer, bouncier mat than the mini version, this felt a real pleasure to use and enhanced wellbeing and productivity. Its larger size (77x50cm) also allows more room for varying posture. Cost: £53.94 (Find mat here)
We rated it: 10/10
Yo-Yo MAT Medium
Imprint Deluxe Mat
Large mat (94cmx62cm) available in luxurious soft brown, black and ‘couture grey’ colours. Durable as well as stain and puncture resistant, it will last forever and look business-like in the office environment. Made with ‘stay fl at’ technology, it had less yield and began to cause fatigue after two hours. Cost: £84.94 (Find mat here)
We rated it: 3/10
Steppie - the anti-fatigue balance board
Steppie is designed in Denmark. Its curved underside allows a natural seesaw motion which will gently work the hips and joints while you type or read. The balance point is easy to find and maintain if wanting to stay still. It does elevate the body more than normal mats, so go barefoot if you don’t want to tower. Use with a Steppie SoftTop, a cover featuring a bubbled surface, for reflexology benefits. Cost: £110.95 (Find mat here)
We rated it: 6/10
For more mats visit Sit-stand.com
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