He stood his ground — literally.
In a bid to explore the effects of prolonged standing on the human body, YouTuber Lucas Ball — known online as Pigmie — embarked on an unusual experiment: no sitting for five straight days.
Inspired by expert recommendations to stand for two to four hours daily, Ball took things to the extreme, lying down only for eight hours each night and remaining upright the rest of the time, The New York Times reported.
The Rules: Upright all day, sleep at night
Ball, 34, set strict parameters for his self-imposed trial. He allowed himself eight hours of sleep lying down each night but committed to remaining upright during all other waking hours. Citing studies linking extended sitting to health concerns such as obesity, spinal dysfunction, joint problems, and poor posture, Ball aimed to test the benefits of going fully vertical.
Standing desk boosts focus, productivity
To ease the transition, Ball invested in a bamboo standing desk. The impact on his work life was immediate and positive — he found himself more focused and less prone to distractions. Outside of work, he continued to stand while eating, watching TV, running errands, and even during modified workouts that avoided seated positions.
Physical strain sets in by Day 3
Despite his initial optimism, the physical toll quickly became apparent. By the third day, Ball experienced significant soreness in his legs and feet, along with noticeable posture deterioration. He also found himself snacking more frequently, possibly as a response to fatigue or increased energy burn.
“It really hit me in the lower legs and feet. I felt very sore and tired, and I felt like my posture while standing was starting to slack,” Ball said.
Day 5: Sleep disrupted, posture declines
Ball’s aching legs began to interfere with his sleep, leading to long nights of tossing and turning. By Day 5, he was suffering from sore hips and knees, disrupted sleep, and worsening posture — particularly a slouched upper back. Though he noted some improvement in the curve of his lower spine, the cumulative strain prompted him to end the experiment early. He also gained one pound, which he attributed to constant snacking.
Some unexpected health benefits
Despite the drawbacks, Ball noticed improved digestion and estimated a 30% boost in his work productivity. Reflecting on the experience, he concluded that moderation is key. Going forward, he plans to integrate periods of standing into his work routine while allowing time to sit when fatigue sets in.
Experts say movement, not just standing
Ball’s trial echoes research on standing desks, which suggests they can enhance posture, regulate blood sugar, and improve concentration. However, standing for too long can also lead to fatigue and increase the risk of varicose veins. Health experts advise incorporating regular movement breaks to encourage circulation and prevent stiffness.
Ultimately, Ball’s week-long experiment highlights the complexities of balancing posture, movement, and productivity in modern life.
According to The New York Times, while research supports the benefits of standing desks — including improved posture and focus — experts caution that simply standing isn’t enough. Movement throughout the day remains essential to promote circulation and reduce stiffness.
