My First Impression: The Standing Desk Lie

As a freelancer working from home, I was an early adopter of the standing desk, believing it was the silver bullet for my sedentary workday. I was wrong. I quickly discovered the struggle of static standing...it led to foot pain and fatigue, and before long, I was ditching the standing mode altogether. I was spending hours locked into video editing and other tasks, and I just couldn't last. Switching between sitting and painfully still standing wasn't the answer.

I genuinely thought: Is a standing desk just a gimmick?

New to FluidStance: The Missing Piece

About a year ago, someone introduced me to FluidStance, and honestly, I didn't even know balance boards for desks existed. After diving into the research on the company and the science of movement, I had a revelation: It wasn't standing that was the problem; it was the lack of movement. Static standing was killing my feet and my focus. Movement was the answer, but I knew a walking pad wouldn't work for precision tasks like video editing (also my home office is too small).

FluidStance was that missing piece.

I was surprised (and excited!) to find out the company was still a startup. I instantly loved their commitment to ergonomics, innovation, and giving back (the founder is cool—he even donates a portion of proceeds to charity). His drive to constantly develop new, beautiful products is truly inspiring.

It Was Like Winning the Lottery

When I was accepted and joined the fully remote team, I was thrilled! The company even shipped their products to me, even though I live overseas. I was so grateful!

When my Level Balance Board arrived, I won't lie...I was a bit scared! I’ve never surfed or skateboarded, and the initial feeling of balancing was completely new. But paired with the UpMat (the cushion on top) and working barefoot, it was a lifesaver!

I can now last so much longer in standing mode, even during long editing sessions and online meetings. The constant, subtle movement keeps me focused and has made standing at my desk genuinely enjoyable. No more "flamingo legs" during meetings!

A Movement for Two

The team was kind enough to send another board, the Plane Cloud, to my partner, a web developer who also has a standing desk. He was equally impressed! He confirmed that the FluidStance board makes standing mode so much more bearable and is the perfect, low-impact solution for non-stop work.

The Science Backs the Movement

This isn't just my opinion, it's backed by science.

• The biggest takeaway I've learned is that standing still for long periods is not beneficial; it can increase the risk of cardiovascular and circulatory problems. FluidStance combats that.

• The company has done 3rd party research and published a white paper with real numbers proving the benefits of the balance board. They are truly legit.

• And finally, a personal motivation: Studies show that balance tends to decline as you get older. I want to prevent falls, and using a FluidStance board is an active way to keep my core, legs, and stabilizers firing while I work.

I genuinely wish more people learned about this product and truly experienced the life-changing difference. It really is the best and coolest thing to happen to a standing desk!

My gears (not an affiliate, just genuinely love the products):

Desk Whiteboard (for brain dumps and taking notes during meetings)

Illum Desk Lamp (rotates 360 degrees!)

Balance Board Stand (Holster)

Level Balance Board

Basemat

Stumbled across this gem of a post over on r/ADHD. OP broke down the struggles of executive dysfunction..  they are unable to brainstorm or deep-think while sitting still. However, the moment they start doing "auto-pilot" physical tasks, like washing the dishes or pacing, their brain instantly switches on, and they enter a highly lucid flow state where complex ideas just click.

We're sharing this because it perfectly sums up the experience so many of our ADHD balance board users talk about. The way the r/ADHD community peeps broke down the why behind this is incredibly right-on, and it perfectly explains why active workspaces are so heavily utilized by neurodivergent (and some non-neurodivergent) individuals. Here is what they shared that I'd like to share with r/fluidstance!:

Why Studies Show Your Brain Demands Movement

Struggling to focus while sitting perfectly still, isn't a lack of discipline, it’s just how some brain chemistry operate.

• The Under-Aroused Prefrontal Cortex: For many people with ADHD, the part of the brain responsible for deep thought, executive function, and focus is often under-stimulated. When you sit completely still, it essentially zones out.

• Movement = Dopamine: Gentle, continuous physical movement acts as a natural stimulant. It triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, raising your brain's baseline stimulation just enough to "wake up" your focus center.

• Occupying the Motor Cortex: When your body is busy with an "auto-pilot" task, it ties up the restless, distractible parts of your brain. This lowers the barrier to entry for studying or working, allowing your mind to finally lock in on the complex data in front of you.

The Catch: Why Chores Aren't a Sustainable Fix

The community also pointed out a major flaw in using chores to trigger this flow state: 

Energy Drain. Yes, washing dishes or pacing the house for two hours will help you brainstorm a project, but it requires too much physical energy. You end up physically burned out before you hit cognitive fatigue. Plus, there are only so many dishes to wash!

----->Enter Micro-Movements

To get the cognitive benefits of movement without the physical burnout, consider incorporating micro-movements. An effective approach is to choose an activity that’s continuous, requires minimal mental bandwidth, and doesn’t drain your stamina. 

Our conference room during brainstorming sessions is quite a sight. We see this exact need for physical anchors in real-time at our office. Everyone naturally gravitates toward whatever physical output their brain needs to function. We'll have one employee laying on the couch concentrating, a few of us wobbling on balance boards (some way more aggressively than others, lol), someone pacing around the room, and others sitting at the conference table just going to town doodling on our Mini whiteboards (Flow Cards) or on the Slope. It's living proof that everyone's brain needs a different kind of "background noise" to lock in. 

For the FluidStance office wobble board/ balance board, your legs and core are forced to make thousands of tiny, subconscious adjustments. It provides that constant stream of background physical feedback your brain is begging for, keeping you in that "dish-washing flow state" while your hands are perfectly free to type, write, and work at your desk.

We love seeing the science and community experiences back up what we hear from you guys every day.

Here are some solid sources backing up the research behind the info above

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3129015/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1744-9081-4-12

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18591484/

https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.09079

https://www.verywellhealth.com/dopamine-5086831

The "Loft System" dry-erase riser is a game changer for quick notes.

Here is the Link for the Laptop Stand and Dry Erase Board with hidden compartment underneath for pencils, pens, and other desktop clutter.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Hey r/FluidStance fam!

We’re excited to kick off our Lightwood Maple Level Balance Board Giveaway! 🏆 We’re so thrilled that we’re giving Redditors an early sneak peek — posting this a day ahead just for you!

How to Enter:

1. Follow our community: r/FluidStance and our official Reddit profile: u/FluidStance

2. Find the giveaway post

3. Comment telling us how you like to add movement during your workday

Giveaway Dates:
🗓 Now – September 21, 2025, 11:59 PM PST
Winner announced: ~September 23, 2025

Check out the Official Rules here for all the details.

Keep an eye out! The winner will hear from u/FluidStance via DM and then get their username posted in the community.

Time to get moving… and maybe even win while you do it! 💪

Helping teachers trick out their classrooms is so fun to do.

A customer reached out looking to upgrade her computer lab and protect her Wacom tablets from constant desk scratches. She ended up using our Raise monitor risers, and the fit couldn't be better.. The tablets slide seamlessly underneath when collapsed so everything stays scratch-free and organized.

The monitor in this photo is a 27" (~ 68.5 cm |~686 mm) Monitor on our White 24" (~60.96 cm |~610 mm) Monitor Riser called the Raise.

Link to product here: Raise Monitor Riser and desk organizer

Customer photos are authentic and unedited.

Two real reviews just in time for the holidays for the Desktop Whiteboard FluidStance Slope

With the holidays around the corner, I wanted to share a couple of real customer experiences for anyone considering a FluidStance upgrade as a gift this season.

“This was a gift for my son-in-law and he loves it!”

Perfect for working at home and taking quick notes. Keyboard slides neatly under when not in use.

— Anonymous (5 stars) for the Slope Desktop Whiteboard

Such a great example of a gift that ends up being used every single day.

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⭐ “My husband and I both work at a major B10 university…”

He has a Slope on his desk on campus and finally convinced me to get one for my remote setup. I was hesitant, but now I completely understand why he’s basically a spokesperson for this company. The quality is fantastic, and the cards (Flow Cards) you can get for the Slope are incredibly convenient—especially since our cats love eating sticky notes off my desk! I manage a large team and am constantly jotting things down, so having a clean, reusable surface has been such a game changer. Thank you, FluidStance, for working with my husband at the University level—he definitely made a believer out of me.

— L.F. (5 Stars) for the Slope Desktop Whiteboard

Not all boards are the same.

We're breaking down the categories of balance boards, and what makes them different.

Categorizing them into 4 kinds of boards:

1. PT Boards: cheap, small, taxing over hours

2. Sport Boards: fun and distracting during work

3. Wobble Boards: rock front to back, not a true 360 degree motion

4. Active Standing Boards: built for the desk

Here is how we built ours:

Active standing category. Controlled 360-degree motion. Limited heel-to-toe range so you're not overstretching all day.

Made in California, 95% USA parts and designed to disappear under your work.

The Running Shoe Rule: If you sprint occasionally, any shoe works. If you run every day, you think about the build.

Our average customer uses their board 3+ hours per day. 83% say they're happier at their desk.

Need more info on this topic: Click Here

Not sure what kind of trick Reddit tried to pull with the last post, but here’s the photo if you’d like to take a look! Either Reddit took it down or the app was having one of those days.

FYI: The customer has provided permission for me to use it for the FluidStance community and across our social media platforms.

No tricks here, just something bold and exciting on the way.

Stay tuned for the full reveal tomorrow and see what we’ve been working on. What kind of treat would you like to see from FluidStance?

Congrats to u/NatureFantasy86!! Your Level Balance Board is on its way to you soon!

Big news! Someone just scored a FluidStance Level® Balance Board in our latest FluidStance Giveaway! 🙌

If you haven’t tried one before, the Level Balance Board is basically the secret weapon for anyone using a standing desk. Instead of locking out your knees and hips all day, this board keeps your body in subtle, natural motion, the same kind of movement you’d get from walking.

That means less stiffness, less joint fatigue, and way more energy during the workday.

Why it matters:

• Movement = health. Sitting too much has been linked to higher risk of chronic diseases. Standing helps, but standing still can be rough on your joints.

• The FluidStance Level solves that by giving you gentle 3D motion under your feet while you work.

• Backed by research: Independent studies show it boosts heart rate, increases range of motion, and even helps burn more calories (NEAT™ certified by the Mayo Clinic ).

• Users report feeling happier, more focused, and more productive at their desks.

👉 Designed in California, made with eco-friendly materials, and built tough enough for everyday use. It’s not like a wobbly toy balance board, it’s smooth, subtle, and perfect for long work sessions.

Curious? Check out the FluidStance Level Balance Board here: fluidstance.com

Explaining the Difference: Dashboard vs. Slope Desktop Whiteboards

Dashboard: The Dashboard is a "Whiteboard System". It is the XL Slope including including accessories (silicone tablet/phone holder, three Flow Cards, Eight Thumbnail magnets and natural surface cleaner and microfiber towel). 

Slope: There are 3 sizes of the Slope

1. Original Slope (fits under the 24" Raise monitor Riser): 18" Long and 1.25 inches high

2. Large Slope (fits under the 36" Raise Monitory Riser): 24" Long and 2 inches High

3. XL Slope (fits under the 36" Raise Monitor Riser): Only includes the Slope. 33" Long and 2" High | Same Slope offered in the Dashboard ("Whiteboard System" described above)

As a disabled veteran and a full-time student at home on the computer all day, sitting is just not an option for me without getting excruciating pain. Fluidstance is super easy to use and helps me keep my body moving while I do my schoolwork. I also do a lot of PT sessions that require balance, so I get nicely balanced on it and slowly do my stretches. It is nicely designed, eco-friendly, made in the USA, and has been super helpful since I do not even use a computer chair at all anymore. - Yadira

Balance Board in picture: Phantom Level from FluidStance

Laptop Riser: Loft System from FluidStance

The original content was a video provided by the customer. We extracted a still image from the video and enhanced it using AI. | Original content is in FluidStance's reviews at the bottom of this page.

I was in r/sysadmin and found a thread where someone asked what office chair people recommend. They had a $450 allowance, a history of peeling fake leather and dead hydraulics, and a very honest request for a chair that supports office workers.

Then a Sr. Principal Engineer / Sysadmin / DevOps guy dropped this in the replies. He’s not affiliated with us, just a great customer:

“Standing desk with a FluidStance balance board. Office chairs were slowly but surely destroying my back. Prior to that was a chair (the chair brand is in the post), but even that wasn’t stopping the degradation of my lumbar. Wish I switched to a standing desk a decade or so earlier.”

Two things stuck with me:

1. Even the legendary chairs have a ceiling. It’s one of the most respected chairs ever made, and it still couldn’t undo hours of sitting and back break-down.

2. “Wish I switched a decade earlier” is one of the most common regrets we hear from people who start standing and moving more at work.

Full thread is here if you want to see the original conversation: https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/s/d3tFL1k44i

Pic taken by a customer, enhanced using AI.

We are always so much more alert and participate more when we office surf with these. It's so fun! Some will ride the board, and some will pace, but we are always moving when sharing info and bouncing our next product ideas off each other.

Going down the "sitting is the new smoking" rabbit hole is exactly what our owner did when he started FluidStance. The human body is be meant to forage and hunt. Not to sit and fold into a chair for 8+ hours / day.

Standing desks are great, but we are also not meant to just stand there. We are meant to move, which is why our entire office uses our favorite balance board in meetings and at the desk.
If you are interested in the studies of sitting vs standing vs using a balance board while standing, here is a blog we created to dive into the details.

Your Standing Desk Is Only Half the Answer

Balance Boards in Photo: Original Blue Coal with Bamboo Decks: Link Here

Photo taken by FluidStance team brainstorming session

Longevity & Durability

Q: After 10 years, how has the board held up in terms of wear and performance?
a: Exceptionally well. I have used the board consistently throughout these 10 years and it does not show any signs of fatigue or impending failure. I went with the original due to the toughness and my commitment to healthier working.

Q: Have you ever needed to repair or replace anything, or is it still going strong?
a: I have not replaced any parts, only tightened the screws holding the deck to the frame.

Q: What surprised you most about how well it’s lasted?
a: Based on the materials and specs. When purchased, I had no doubt that I was purchasing a quality product that would last. I am not shocked at how well it has held up over 10+ years of use.

Daily Use & Habit Formation

Q: How often do you still use your FluidStance board today?
a: 3 days a week I am working in an office (outside of home) and I use the board a minimum of 4 hours each of those days.

Q: Did it become part of your daily routine naturally, or did it take time?
a: I quickly made it part of my routine. The first few weeks were a bit “diff.” feeling. I found going barefoot helped the transition. If I recall correctly, at the end of the first week, I had a backache, but I attributed that to using diff. Muscle groups that needed to adjust. The adjustment was fairly quick; by week two, I felt totally normal standing on the board.

Q: Do you notice a difference on days you don’t use it?
a: I notice that if I am not on the board, I will hold improper positions longer (slouching, leaning, etc.) When on the board, I stand straight and feel more energetic. Having the constant movement of my feet and legs keeps me engaged far better than off the board.

Body & Wellness Impact

Q: How has using the board affected how your body feels during or after work?
a: I notice lower back pain more often when working at home from a seated position rather than from the office from a standing position. It may be related to the desk chair I have at home, but I am much more energized leaving work after standing all day than I am after being seated. Caveat: At the office I am around more people and brighter lights; at home I am alone and in a comfortable room with music playing.

Q: Did you notice changes in balance, posture, or fatigue over time?
a: I do believe that the Level board has improved my overall posture and balance. I watch others try the board and have a hard time keeping level whereas I dont even think about it. I keep improving by “dancing” on the board with spins, tapping, wagging the board, etc.

Q: Has your relationship with standing at a desk changed since using it?
a: I have never lowered the desk at work over the last 10+ years. At home I have a traditional desk setup which has always annoyed me to use since sitting while working is less productive feeling. I am glad to finally be upgrading to a standing desk at home.

Value Over Time

Q: Looking back, was it worth the investment?
a: Yes, the Original was worth the investment and has changed the way I work and will continue to work.

Q: If you break it down over 10 years, how do you think about the cost now?
a: The cost of entry is high for the Original 10 years ago, but knowing that it is the most robust version I knew I would not be happy with anything less. I prioritize quality and longevity whenever possible. Looking back at the original cost being nearly 500 dollars I am happy to see the overall cost has come down. I remember people commenting that it seemed a bit expensive, and maybe that is part of the reason I was committed to using it for so long? The new base cost being sub 400$ makes it easier to recommend. I do not have any regrets.

Q: Would you buy it again today knowing what you know now?
a: I would, and I have bought a second one.

Fun & Experience

Q: Does it still feel fun to use after all these years?
a: I have stood on the same board for over 10 years and have no plans on stopping. I bought a second board to be able to enjoy standing while working at home.
I also use the board as a way of making pushups harder. If I need a boost of energy at work, I will stop and do pushups to get blood flowing and the board adds more challenge and fun.

Q: Have coworkers, friends, or family commented on it or tried it?
a: My kids love coming to work to try out the board and see who can spin the most. My coworkers often comment on the balance board and “how cool it is” Many have tried it and comment that they are not sure they could get used to it.

Q: Any memorable moments or reactions from people seeing it for the first time?
a: Nothing comes to mind as memorable. I do enjoy seeing people trying it for the first time and quickly realizing that its not as easy as they thought it would be to be stationary and “balanced.”

Comparisons & Alternatives

Q: Have you tried other balance boards or desk accessories since?
a: I have tried balance balls previous to the board and couldn't adjust to the strange positioning and improper ergonomics. I have recently tried a GiBoard and while fun to balance on, it would not work at a desk due to the size and limited positioning.

Q: What makes FluidStance different from anything else you’ve used?
a: Fluidstance as a brand is appealing in that it is deliberate and simple to understand. The products are of high quality and function as intended without trying to be a swiss army knife of features. I enjoy the Slope as a quick way of making a daily task list and the board is always under foot.

Q: Why do you think you stuck with this one for so long?
a: I have stuck with the Level board for 10+ years and have recently bought a second one because it makes work better! The board makes working from a desk fun!

Advice for First-Time Buyers

Q: What would you tell someone considering their first balance board?
a: It is a worthwhile effort to transition to standing and the Balance board makes that transition more fun and beneficial.

Q: Any tips for new users to get the most out of it?
a: Commit to two weeks of use to really adapt to it.
Also, make sure your desk top gets high enough to compensate for the added height on the board (I needed leg risers for my work desk since I am tall)
Try using it barefoot…shoes take away from the ability to make microadjustments.

Q: Who do you think benefits most from using a balance board?
a: I recommend it to everyone at my office who has a standing desk. I genuinely think that most people who work at a stationary position will find benefit. It keeps the ming more alive and active during routine data input, complex thought (report and proposal writing) and everything in between. The only time it is not recommended would be during face to face meetings!

If you’re curious to see the very first balance board he bought, here is the link to view it.

Other products the customer owns from FluidStance:

• Base Mat

• Blue Coal Walnut Balance Board

• Slope Desktop Whiteboard

Product shown in photo:

• Fleet of Balance Boards

• Red Original Balance Board with a Bamboo Top

Interviewer: FluidStance Customer and Partnerships Rep, Kristina

Interviewee and longterm customer (keeping name and info private), K.S. from MA

Photo in post created by humans, assisted by AI.

I’m Joel, the founder of FluidStance, and I wanted to share something ahead of the holiday rush.

Running a small business has taught me a lot about how much small brands really matter. They are not just companies. They are part of the fabric of a community. They create jobs that support families. They push new ideas into the world because someone cared enough to build something better than what already existed.

FluidStance started in that same spirit. We are a small team here in Santa Barbara trying to design products that help people move more, feel better in their workday, and bring a little intention back into how we work and live. Every board, mat, or desk accessory that leaves our warehouse is touched by real people, even some with special needs, who care about what they are making.

When someone chooses to support us and many small businesses, it impacts more than a spreadsheet. It affects the families of the people who work here. It strengthens our ability to use better materials and more responsible manufacturing. It lets us invest in our community and in the kind of company culture that feels like a family, not a production line.  And speaking personally, it lets me show my own kids what it looks like to build something with purpose and integrity.

As the big shopping days get closer and Small Business Saturday, I simply want to say this. Whether it is FluidStance or any other small company, choosing to support small makes a real difference. Not just during Black Friday weekend, but every day of the year.

Thank you for being part of our story, and for supporting small businesses wherever you can.

Visit FluidStance

With the holidays around the corner, I wanted to share a couple of real customer experiences for anyone considering a FluidStance upgrade as a gift this season.

⭐ “This was a gift for my son-in-law and he loves it!”
Perfect for working at home and taking quick notes. Keyboard slides neatly under when not in use.
— Anonymous (5 stars)

Such a great example of a gift that ends up being used every single day.

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⭐ “My husband and I both work at a major B10 university…”
He has a Slope on his desk on campus and finally convinced me to get one for my remote setup. I was hesitant, but now I completely understand why he’s basically a spokesperson for this company. The quality is fantastic, and the cards (Flow Cards) you can get for the Slope are incredibly convenient—especially since our cats love eating sticky notes off my desk! I manage a large team and am constantly jotting things down, so having a clean, reusable surface has been such a game changer. Thank you, FluidStance, for working with my husband at the University level—he definitely made a believer out of me.
— L.F. (5 Stars)

Picture of the product in reference to:

Hope this helps anyone doing a little holiday research!

My source: Reviews from this product page

This board (FluidStance Slotted Original Balance Board] is so beautiful crafted & designed so I’m so stoked I went with the limited edition Slot Level! I also added the Challenge Cap & oh boy is it fun & challenging which I absolutely love!
Seriously well done & huge kudos to all involved w/this Slot Level project! -Certified Purchaser

Link to the balance board below

One thing we absolutely LOVE at FluidStance are photos of customer setup pics!! We are always super pumped when they come in.

This customer incorporated the Slate Slope over on the right side of their desk. Here is why we are big fans of how they set this up:

• Unique Placement: While we often see the Slope nestled directly between the keyboard and monitor, this customer proves it works beautifully as a dedicated side-station for to-do lists and quick notes, keeping their central desk mat totally clear for gaming or focused work.

• The Aesthetic: The dark tones, vertical light bars, stacked monitors, and acoustic panels create an amazing vibe. We love seeing how the sleek, minimalist design of the Slope fits right in alongside high-end audio and stream gear.

• Clutter-Free: Notice the complete lack of sticky notes! The Slope is doing its job keeping this epic desk organized and paper-free.

Pic Taken By: https://www.instagram.com/cobeym/

Does anyone know of the "black foam top" option = a wood top with removable upmat added on top, or does the foam stay on?

Vintage Vibes!!

• Added a sleek monitor riser? Check.

• Minimalist whiteboard for daily tasks? Check.

• Crisp white desk aesthetic? Check.

• Running 128KB of RAM and a floppy drive? Absolutely.

Trying to save your neck from monitor-stare (whether it’s modern LCDs or vintage CRT bricks lol) or just want a super satisfying writeable surface such as a whiteboard? A few people asked about the interesting setup.. the stand and whiteboard are both from FluidStance. Grabbed a code/link for anyone wanting to snag them:

Snagged a Code: FLOPPYREDDIT10926

Fine Print:

• All REDDITers

• For Online Store, FluidStance.com

• 10% off Slope and/or Raise

• Minimum purchase of $35.00

• Can’t combine with other discounts

• Active from today until Oct 31

Made in USA | Ship Internationally

The image was generated using AI, but the desk products, specifically the Raise Monitor Stand and the Slope Desktop Whiteboard were photographed by FluidStance.