Do Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Make A Difference?

Sitting VS Standing: The Great Debate

It’s no secret that sitting for extended periods of time isn’t good for us, but neither is standing. 

Standing may burn up to 20% more calories, but requires more energy, and therefore induces greater fatigue. The constant shifting of weight and body position creates forces upon the neck, back, calves, ankles, and feet. Most offices, laboratories, manufacturing floors, and restaurants need hard, uncompromising standing surfaces for function and easy cleaning without taking consideration for comfort.

Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Work? Will They Improve Joint, Back, and Leg Pain?

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Standing on hard surfaces has adverse effects on our joints and veins. Specially designed standing mats combat fatigue and soreness when shifts get long, especially for roles that require standing up.

Here’s How an Anti-Fatigue Mat Improves Circulation

When blood circulates through the body, its upward path through the legs requires some assistance from muscles and the one-way values inside our veins. The leg muscles act as a second heart, propelling blood upward and preventing backflow so that the heart is able to maintain blood pressure. When standing flat footed, and lock-legged, these muscles loose efficiency and increase the demand on the heart. The result is pooling of blood and damage to vein walls. Over time, the likeliness of heart disease, poor circulation, abnormal veins (spider veins), and blood clots increase.

Not only does the cushioning help ease the impact, but the surface of the mat often features a subtle texture which limits flat-footed standing, and helps disperse the weight naturally. These micro movements reduce repetitive strain caused by continually shifting from leg to leg to ease built up discomfort. Cushioning between the floor and your feet helps absorb some of the impact, which takes a toll over hours and hours of standing. It’s the same principle as a runner who prefers jogging on grass or trails instead of hard pavement.

What Are Anti-Fatigue Mats Made Of?

Because of the weight and friction in constant movement, a durable mat requires in materials that won’t lose form, shape, or become flat over time. Selecting the right mat also requires determining the proper materials when resistance to water, slips, grease, or even electrostatic discharge is required.

Andersen 4443 GetFit StandUp™ Indoor Anti-Fatigue Mat with Fabric Top
Andersen 4443 GetFit StandUp™ Indoor Anti-Fatigue Mat with Fabric Top

If you’re looking for a heavy duty anti-fatigue mat that withstands the test of time, —especially during everyday use in manufacturing, offices, or production — closed-cell nitrile blended cushions last 3 times longer than a traditional PVC foam mat. You don’t need to spend more than $50 for a high-quality mat that won’t deteriorate or flatten. This indoor anti-fatigue mat from Anderson Mat company is one of the best flooring mat values on the internet because they’re well known for quality construction and stand up to any environment.

It has clean 5/8″ thick nitrile cushioning, beveled edges, is available in multiple sizes for keeping any workstation clean and comfortable.

Find A GetFit StandUp™ Indoor Anti-Fatigue

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Mitch Walleser

Mitch Walleser

Mitch is a contributing writer for Production Automation Corporation. PAC is a factory-direct distributor of products and environmental solutions for industrial and critical requirements within electronics, medical device, life science, pharmaceutical, and general manufacturing industries. Mitch has worked with manufacturing engineers, in-house specialists, and factory experts to highlight and uncover manufacturing solutions. His background includes 3D printing, electronics, and cleanroom manufacturing.

4 thoughts on “Do Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Make A Difference?”

  1. I have worked in a factory for 22 years. I work 12 hour night shift. I personally don’t like the mats. I’ve tried using them but by 3 hours into the shift my feet and legs hurt so bad I can hardly walk. When I don’t use them my feet never bother me. So I usually remove them.

  2. Hi Greg,

    Very sorry to hear that you’ve been experiencing discomfort during your shift.

    Could you provide any other information about your workstation, types of movement, and your current mat? Such as the thickness, size, surface texture, dry or wet, or any special properties (heat resistant or ESD, ect)? Would you say that your feet have high, medium, or low arches?

    Sometimes a mat is too thick, too soft, or has too much grip. These have small but significant forces on long-term comfort. When small foot movements are hindered, this can cause excessive leaning, reaching, weight imbalance, ect. Likewise having a mat that doesn’t cover the full work area can cause problems when weight is frequently unloaded, such as stepping on/off the mat multiple times per minute. Arch support can also be a factor.

    We’re curious to know if any of these scenarios apply to your workspace. With a little more info we can help identify some alternatives and send you a sample mat that you can test for yourself!

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