In an era where remote work and prolonged screen time have become the norm, the importance of an ergonomic and health-conscious workspace cannot be overstated. Have you ever pondered the transformative potential of a standing desk? Today, we delve into a comprehensive review by our dedicated product tester, Sara Walker, who has put the Pro Plus 36 Varidesk through its paces. Designed ingeniously to sit atop your existing desk or table, this innovative converter promises to revolutionize your work routine by offering the flexibility to seamlessly switch between sitting and standing. Join us as Sara shares her unfiltered experience and insights into whether this popular sit-stand solution lives up to its formidable reputation.
My Personal Journey to a Healthier Workspace
As a freelance writer, my livelihood revolves around the keyboard. Much of my day is spent crafting words, researching, and communicating, which inevitably translates into prolonged periods of sitting. Beyond my professional life, I’m also an ardent horse rider. While incredibly rewarding, a lifetime of lifting heavy hay bales and feed sacks has left me with a persistent legacy of stiff back and neck muscles. It’s an unfortunate reality that hours spent hunched over a desk do little to alleviate these chronic aches; in fact, they often exacerbate them, leading to discomfort and reduced productivity by the end of the workday.
My primary work tool is a laptop, a necessity given my frequent need to be out of the office for interviews or on-location features. I prefer the seamlessness of one machine over juggling multiple setups. When I am in my office, I integrate a wireless mouse and keyboard to enhance comfort and efficiency. However, a couple of years ago, a new and rather severe neck pain began to emerge. A quick self-assessment revealed a probable cause: the constant downward gaze at my laptop screen, rather than maintaining an ergonomic eye-level posture. My initial, rather rudimentary solution involved propping the laptop on a precarious stack of books. While this makeshift arrangement offered some relief by elevating the screen, it ultimately failed to address the fundamental problem of remaining in a static, seated position for hours on end. The pain, though somewhat mitigated, persisted, underscoring the need for a more dynamic and comprehensive solution.
Introducing the Varidesk: A Promise of Dynamic Wellness
When the opportunity arose to test a Varidesk, a product renowned for enabling users to effortlessly vary their posture between sitting and standing throughout the day, I immediately recognized its potential as a significant breakthrough for my chronic discomfort. My interest was piqued not only by the promise of alleviating my existing back and neck pain but also by a host of other compelling benefits touted by the manufacturer. These claims include a reduction in blood pressure, lowered cholesterol levels, a noticeable decrease in back pain, and a substantial increase in overall blood flow and circulation – all vital aspects of long-term health and well-being that static desk work actively undermines.
Beyond these physical health advantages, Varidesk also claims to boost concentration by an impressive margin of over 46%. And for those mindful of their fitness, standing at a Varidesk reportedly helps burn an additional 50 calories per hour. To put that into perspective for my fellow snack enthusiasts, that’s roughly equivalent to indulging in a two-finger KitKat every two hours – a guilt-free treat! Furthermore, the endorsement by 92% of Fortune 500 companies speaks volumes about its professional credibility and widespread adoption in high-stakes corporate environments. This impressive resume left me eager to put the Varidesk to the ultimate test and personally witness how these promising benefits translated into real-world improvements for my demanding work schedule and persistent physical discomfort.
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Robust Arrival
The Pro Plus 36 Varidesk arrived promptly, impeccably packaged, and – to my absolute delight – fully assembled. The manufacturer’s promise of minimal setup was indeed true; the instructions simply advised lifting it out of the box and placing it directly onto your existing desk. This “plug-and-play” convenience is a significant advantage, especially for those who dread the prospect of complicated flat-pack furniture assembly.
However, my first real surprise came as I attempted to hoist it from its packaging. This unit is undeniably substantial, weighing in at a formidable 22kg! My office space is relatively compact, furnished with a narrow desk, and my immediate concern was whether the Varidesk’s impressive size and weight would overwhelm the limited area. For context, I was reviewing the 36-inch (medium) model, though a slightly smaller 30-inch version is also available. Despite its bulk, I proceeded with cautious optimism, hoping it would integrate seamlessly into my established workspace.
To my pleasant surprise, the Pro Plus 36 Varidesk fitted onto my existing desk remarkably well. Once positioned, it exuded an immediate sense of sturdiness and balance, inspiring confidence in its stability. The unit’s operation is straightforward and intuitive: two handles located on either side allow for smooth, controlled adjustments up and down. The hydraulic mechanism is fluid enough to prevent any jarring movements that might dislodge items from the desk surface, which is a crucial detail for maintaining an organized workspace. Standing up to type for the first time felt incredibly unusual, a significant departure from years of ingrained sitting habits. One immediate and unexpected benefit, however, was finding myself at eye level with the window, which encouraged me to glance outside more frequently, breaking the monotony and fostering a greater connection with the outside world.
I have now been actively using the Varidesk for three weeks, and the results have been genuinely encouraging. The chronic soreness in my back, neck, and shoulders, which typically plagued me by the end of a long workday, has significantly diminished. While the desk allows for effortless transitions between sitting and standing, I have found myself predominantly utilizing it in the standing mode. This preference underscores the comfort and relief it provides, making the active choice to stand for extended periods a natural and welcome part of my daily routine.
Pro Plus 36 Varidesk: The Undeniable Advantages
From a purely positive standpoint, the most impactful benefit I’ve experienced is the undeniable reduction in persistent pain. This wasn’t just a minor improvement; the cumulative effect of varying my posture throughout the day has made a noticeable difference to my overall comfort and energy levels. The design of the product itself also warrants commendation. The elegantly curved surfaces of the main platform gently ‘cuddle’ around you, creating a remarkably intuitive and organized workspace. This thoughtful contouring provides practical, easily accessible surfaces on both your right and left sides, perfect for positioning your mouse, keeping a notepad handy, or even just a refreshing cup of tea without fear of cluttering your primary screen area.
Beyond the direct ergonomic benefits, the Varidesk inherently encourages greater physical activity during the workday. The simple act of standing promotes a healthier metabolism and increased blood flow. Furthermore, the standing position naturally allows for incorporating simple, discreet exercises, such as gentle leg stretches or calf raises, which can significantly counteract the adverse effects of prolonged sitting and contribute to improved circulation and muscle flexibility.
Pro Plus 36 Varidesk: Areas for Improvement
While the benefits are significant, it’s also important to address a few aspects where the Pro Plus 36 Varidesk might not perfectly suit every user or workspace. Foremost among these is its sheer size and considerable weight. As previously mentioned, this is a big, heavy unit. While this contributes to its impressive stability, it also means that once it’s on your desk, it’s not something you’ll want to move frequently. Furthermore, when the desk is raised into a standing position, the lower keyboard shelf, which is ingeniously cantilevered for ergonomic reach, swings out into the room. This extension demands a surprising amount of additional space, which could be a significant consideration for individuals working in particularly cramped or high-traffic home office environments. Users need to ensure they have ample clear space in front of their desk to accommodate this outward swing.
Another point of contention, from an ergonomic perspective, pertains to the fixed distance between the keyboard shelf and the upper monitor shelf. Ideally, these two surfaces would move independently, allowing for precise customization based on individual body mechanics and equipment. In my case, to achieve an ergonomically sound eye-level for my laptop screen, the fixed keyboard shelf became uncomfortably high. This forced me to revert to my original “homemade fix” of placing books beneath my laptop to raise it further, effectively creating a sub-optimal setup. While not a deal-breaker, this lack of independent adjustment is a notable limitation, especially for laptop users. It’s worth noting that if I were using a dedicated external monitor, which typically offers more height adjustability, this issue might have been less pronounced. However, for those primarily working with a laptop, it’s a design aspect to carefully consider for optimal comfort and posture.
The Overall Verdict on the Pro Plus 36 Varidesk
To be entirely candid, my experience with the Varidesk far exceeded my initial expectations. Its clean, modern design, available in classic black and white finishes, means it integrates seamlessly into almost any office decor without looking out of place. Yes, it possesses a substantial and robust character – it’s big and chunky – but this very quality underpins its impressive stability and durability. Crucially, it truly delivers on its promise: it works, and it works effectively.
If you, like me, spend countless hours tethered to a desk and frequently contend with any form of bodily discomfort or pain—be it in your back, neck, or shoulders—the Pro Plus 36 Varidesk stands out as a highly recommended solution. It’s more than just a piece of office furniture; it’s an investment in your long-term health, offering a tangible way to mitigate the sedentary risks of modern work and transform your daily routine into a more dynamic and comfortable experience. While the minor ergonomic limitations regarding fixed shelf distances could be improved, its core functionality and the palpable relief it provides make it a worthwhile consideration for anyone seeking a healthier, more active approach to their workday.
Pricing and Availability
The Pro Plus 36 Varidesk is competitively priced, with models starting from £295. The specific 36-inch model reviewed here is available for £365. It can be purchased directly from the official Varidesk website, ensuring you receive an authentic product with comprehensive customer support.
Reviewed by Sara Walker
(Disclosure: The product was supplied for the purposes of this review, but all views and opinions expressed herein are entirely honest and unbiased, reflecting a genuine user experience).