UK researchers sought to find out in a 2013 study. They tracked individual heart rates while sitting and standing. They discovered standing heart rates were 10 beats higher per minute. That increase burns 0.7 more calories per minute. Sounds small, right? Not when you look at it hourly. It's 42 more calories (60 minutes x 0.7 calories). Here's where it gets fun: by standing an extra 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, you could burn 630 calories per week and 32,760 calories per year. That's nine pounds off your waistline just for standing up!

A slimmer waistline isn't the only benefit of standing more throughout the day. Several studies suggest that people who spend more than half of their waking day on their bottoms have a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. They may even die sooner than their more active counterparts. Standing periodically, however, helps:

• Reduce neck and back pain
• Avoid stiff joints and muscles
• Give your metabolism a boost
• Improve alertness and focus
• Encourage movement and healthy activity

Surprisingly, most people spend more time at their desks than any other place on the planet. Yet many give little thought to the role their desks play in their health. Thankfully, that's starting to change. People are trading in their sit-down desks for standing desks because they realize standing desks are good for their mind, body, and mood:

• Mind: Increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain improving focus and performance.
• Body: Activates the muscles in your legs, back and neck preventing stiffness and aches.
• Mood: Offers freedom of movement helping users feel happier and more energetic.