Most gamers like to sit while playing, but a growing number of gamers are now using standing computer desks. Both gaming setups have pros and cons, and companies are producing products for each setup. If you game while standing, you’ll need a standing computer desk. If you game while sitting, a good gaming chair is invaluable.
The Sitting Gamer – Pros
One of the primary benefits of sitting is stability. Consistency and a stable posture help you repeat specific muscle movements. When you sit in a decent gaming chair, your posture and hand positions remain solidly connected to your computer’s interface. Since the sitting gamer doesn’t need to move his or her body much, he or she can execute repetitive gaming actions over and over with accuracy.
Some would argue that sitting leads to a desire to sleep, but gamers often rely on energy drinks and coffee. A sitting PC gamer should theoretically be able to play a game for longer periods in top condition than a standing gamer, but this isn’t always the case.
Negative Aspects of Sitting
On the negative side, comfort can be hypnotic. After hours of play, a sitting gamer may become too relaxed. This drastically lowers the sitting gamer’s alertness and response time.
Another negative aspect of sitting has to do with your overall health. Scientists have yet to fully investigate the health benefits of standing versus sitting, but it is acknowledged that long periods of sitting can lead to constricted blood flow and bad backs. A well-designed chair does wonders to fight against these negative health-related aspects.
The Standing Gamer – Pros
Many people don’t like to stand for long periods, yet standing has become a popular computing trend. Special standing desk setups are already widely available, and the proponents of standing seem ready to do away with sitting forever.
Standing keeps a gamer more alert. A sitting gamer’s alertness level can become lower over time, but the standing gamer remains alert and ready for action. The act of standing takes more effort, and standing gamers tend to feel like they are in the middle of the action. This means that the standing gamer’s body responds to gaming situations with rushes of adrenaline and other beneficial responses.
Negative Aspects of Standing
The standing gamer eventually becomes fatigued. Even before fatigue sets in, the standing gamer tends to shuffle his or her stance around a lot. Standing causes a buildup of pressure in the feet, and many gamers stand on gel mats to fight against this common issue. Standing gamers also deal with long headphone and mouse cords that can be distracting, cumbersome, and occasionally infuriating.
Some people can stand comfortably for long periods, but they eventually need to sit down for a moment. This can mess up a gamer’s stance. Most professional gamers are very specific about how they place their hands and arms on the gaming desk. Small changes to the hand and arm placement chip away at gaming consistency, muscle memory routines, and comfort levels.
Should I Sit or Stand?
There is no definitive answer to whether sitting or standing is better. Scientists are still contemplating the health benefits of both options. Both gaming setups have advantages, and it’s ultimately about personal taste. If you want to feel like you’re in the game, you should stand. If you want to fine-tune your bodily movements, sitting may be ideal. When you decide, you should definitely get a quality standing desk or gaming chair.
