VertDesk Standing Desk Giveaway

by Brett and Kate McKay on January 11, 2013 · 5,538 comments

It’s a new year, and that often means new resolutions. It is estimated that half of all Americans make some type of New Year’s Resolution. Can you guess the most popular? You got it — lose weight! Coming in just a few spots behind is to get fit and stay healthy. Unfortunately, only 8% of all resolutions are actually achieved. We’d like to help you out as you start the new year, and the new you, so we are giving away a standing desk from Beyond The Office Door. The benefits of a standing desk — from health to focus (as well as the harms of sitting in a chair all day) — are well documented. Get off your keister and start working like the manly writers and statesmen of old.

The Prize

The VertDesk is an electric adjustable height desk. That’s right, with the simple push of a button, you can move your work station up or down. It’s a 30″ x 36″ model, available with either a cherry or hardrock maple top color (winner gets to choose). The motor can lift up to 200 lbs, and it adjusts from 28″ high to 46.5″. Plug it in, and watch it smoothly move up and down at about an inch per second. The easy adjustability means you can switch from sitting to standing throughout the day. Click here to watch a video of the VertDesk in action.

This is a $689 value!

How To Enter

Entering is easy: simply tell us what kind of work you’ll be doing on your new standing desk. Writing the great American novel? Sorting through TPS reports?

Please be patient if your comment doesn’t show up right away! We moderate all comments, so your comment will not show up immediately. But it went through….so don’t post multiple comments!

If you’re an email subscriber and want to enter the contest, do not reply to the email to make your entry! You must click on the comment link here in the email and leave a comment under the post to enter.

A winner will be drawn randomly from the entries. The deadline for entry into the giveaway is Jan. 18, 2013. This post will be updated within 72 hours of the deadline with the winner’s name.

Good luck!

***UPDATE***

One winner was randomly drawn from the comments. And the winner is:

Keith Kuric, from Knox, IN

Congrats Keith!

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5201 Andy January 16, 2013 at 11:57 am: I will be practicing law.
5202 David January 16, 2013 at 12:12 pm: I’ll be selling harmonicas, ukuleles, and accordions from my desk at the headquarters of Hohner USA. The benefits to my posture will undoubtedly help my sales pitch.
5203 Bill Scott January 16, 2013 at 12:16 pm: I’ve been wanting a VertDesk since I first saw them! But working for a nonprofit makes it hard to justify asking for one and getting it approved since we have such a tight budget. I’d be using this bad boy to continue my responsibilities here at The Generosity Trust!
5204 Mrs Dru Brock January 16, 2013 at 12:16 pm: I will be doing my usual accounts receivable duties at the office, but feeling superior to all my co-workers in the process!
5205 John Hassett January 16, 2013 at 12:28 pm: I work from home part time, and this would allow me to add a small amount of movement to my usually sedentary work style.
5206 Manabu Taketani January 16, 2013 at 12:28 pm: I would be doing my undergraduate homework and also drawing as my hobby.
5207 Patrick January 16, 2013 at 12:37 pm: When I’m not on the road, I’ll be using it to pick, edit and decide which concert photos i’ll publish off of my proof sheets.
5208 Tom January 16, 2013 at 12:39 pm: I’m a lawyer and a Marine reservist – it will be used for legal research and writing, as well as doing military-related paperwork.
5209 Dale Parker January 16, 2013 at 12:40 pm: I will study on it, in Classics graduate school (where is still tbd).
5210 Patrick January 16, 2013 at 12:42 pm: Studying, drawing, reading. It will replace my makeshift standing desk which is currently on top of my drawer!
5211 Ian January 16, 2013 at 12:47 pm: TPS reports. Big time.
5212 Casey Johnston January 16, 2013 at 12:50 pm: Working on a new side job at home.
5213 Kyle January 16, 2013 at 12:54 pm: I would use it to help me finish my schooling without going insane from hours of sitting each day. Plus I wouldn’t have to work on my cold garage’s workbench anymore!
5214 Nate January 16, 2013 at 12:57 pm: I will be beginning law school in the fall, writing lessons for a Bible Study I’m doing, and standing for a larger part of my day will equip me well to go to USMC Officer Candidates School this summer, where I’ll be standing all day.
5215 Garrett Brown January 16, 2013 at 1:01 pm: This would be fantastic. I just moved my office to my house and I hate sitting at my desk all day. I’d use this for my graphic design business.
5216 Alexander L January 16, 2013 at 1:14 pm: I would use the desk during my 3L year, and then during my stint in the Army, following law school.
5217 Bob January 16, 2013 at 1:16 pm: I’ll be studying! I’ll be graduating from Bible College here in a few months, then pursuing further studies to be a pastor after that.
5218 LaTosha Hall January 16, 2013 at 1:18 pm: I’m a medical receptionist who is basically chained to a desk every day, but my second job is making 3D models and content for a gaming company which I do out of my home.. Since becoming a single mom, I’ve managed to incorporate daily exercise into my routine with an elliptical machine off craigslist and walking and over two years, managed to decrease my weight by 40 pounds. I’ve not been able to shift my computer desk at home (a baker’s rack) into a standing desk yet, but that is one of my goals.
Even though I’m not a man, much of the advice and articles on The Art of Manliness have relevance to both sexes and practical every day life. So, thank you for the much valued website and articles.
5219 James January 16, 2013 at 1:18 pm: As I approach the half century mark of my life. I feel a transition happening in my mind, body and spirit.
My mind looks back at what I have and have not accomplished in my life. It then looks at the possibilities of the future and if I can accomplish those things yet undone.
My body, though in desperate need of conditioning, carries me through the day. It bears the scars and damage of years of neglect and punishment, and yet continues to serve me well. Time to pay it back.
My Spirit is forever light and blessed. It is the true Captain of this vessel and has guided me though troubled waters, safely. It is what feeds both mind and body with the desires of my heart. It gives me purpose for the second half.
As for what work will be done on the new standing desk, it will be the work I am called to do as a transition from carrier to catapult.
5220 Justin January 16, 2013 at 1:19 pm: I just got a new job (recently out of college), and I’m working 11-hour days, every day. It’s exhausting, but more importantly, unhealthy, to be at a sitting desk for that long. I’m already feeling the effects…
5221 Michael January 16, 2013 at 1:28 pm: This is great, I’ve been reading up on standing desks and their ergonomic benefits. I’d use this desk as I work to advocate for individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
5222 Matt Johnson January 16, 2013 at 1:28 pm: I would LOVE to have this!!! I would use it to study on as I pursue my law degree!
5223 Kyle S. January 16, 2013 at 1:28 pm: I’ll be programming, and dancing while I do it.
5224 Chad C January 16, 2013 at 1:34 pm: I’m a medical student and study 8-10 hours each day, no lie. There is one standing desk in the Health Science Library, and since I shared the benefits of standing while studying with other medical students (not weakening core/postural muscles, staying awake, etc.) the desk is frequently used. I know, my fault, right? At least I shared the benefits of the standing desk.
5225 Caroline January 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm: What WON’T I do!

Just YESTERDAY, I began taking my computer from it’s regular place where I can work seated, to my kitchen counter, where I can work standing. It’s a bit of a pain. A tall desk,especially one that would allow me to have sit breaks, would be incredible! Of course burning more calories is appealing, but the real reason I began doing it was because my work as the administrator for New Brothers Fellowship is so much behind a computer, and since having ovarian cancer, I now have a propensity for blood clots. (Cancer is gone, but the clotting risk will stay forever.) Doctor says i need to be on my feet, keep moving. Anyway, probably more information than you want, but that’s the why and what for me.

I don’t know if being a woman disqualifies me. That’s OK. I do like you site very much. My husband and I are the directors of a ministry that helps men become men of God, meeting them in prison and walking with them after their release. So, we are seeing every day the result of the feminization of men. And, sadly, in trying to recruit volunteers from local churches we are seeing the lack of godly men to mentor these new believers. Big problem. So, thank you for this site.

Take care and God bless you!
5226 motow January 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm: I would bring this table to our booth at trade shows.　We usually run small booth (10×10) and wants to adjust　the table height (to higher) during product　demonstration.

Furniture rental service at trade show site only offers table with　specific heights (high/low) and I think this flexibility is ideal
considering limited real estate of show booth.
5227 Ben January 16, 2013 at 2:04 pm: I’m a PhD student in electrical engineering but I do all sorts of things at my desk which I should be doing at a standing desk including but certainly not limited to the following: Designing my own stereo system, stylizing my own homebrew beer labels, reading investing articles, drooling over firearms that I am not yet rich enough to purchase, doing homework, doing research, checking up on the cross fit routine for the day, searching for the perfect private island to own one day, writing love letters (thanks AoM), listening to baseball, playing video games, reading recipes, sketching plans, jotting notes… In my two room apartment, a lot of my time gets spent at my desk.
5228 Matt Meola January 16, 2013 at 2:04 pm: I would put this in my home office which is a multipurpose space. I use it as a recording studio, a place to edit photos, and work on soldering projects to build audio gear. Would love to get myself out of my chair for those home projects especially since I already spend most of my time at a desk job.
5229 Boyd January 16, 2013 at 2:05 pm: Creating a website focused on helping people who wish to become self reliant in a world that is increasingly becoming dependant on various typed of welfare; be it big government; big corporations; or just those who can’t seem to move out of mom & dad’s basement.
5230 Brittan January 16, 2013 at 2:12 pm: I would bring the standing desk to work where I track down criminals who violate the worst national and international laws.
5231 Phil C. January 16, 2013 at 2:20 pm: I have recurring back problems and have wanted to try this for quite some time. I’m an embedded hardware designer, so I’m usually wiring or programming some new widget.
5232 Gary Schom January 16, 2013 at 2:24 pm: A Desk
A Zen Teacher saw four of his students hard at work over their desks. When they looked up, the teacher asked the students,
“Why are you working at your desks?”
The first student replied, “The the desk holds all of my papers. I am glad that I do not have hold them all in my hands!”
The teacher praised the student, saying, “You are a smart boy. When you grow old, you will not misplace things, as I do.”
The second student replied, “I love to sit and read to learn more.”
The teacher commended the student, “Your eyes are open and you see the world.”
The third student answered, ” I contemplate how I live in harmony with all beings.”
The teacher was pleased and said, “You are on the golden path of non-harming.”
The fourth student replied, “I use my desk to use my desk.”
The teacher went and sat at the feet of the fourth student, and said, “I am your disciple.”
5233 Marc January 16, 2013 at 2:25 pm: I’ll be working on energy policy – keeping the midnight oil burning.
5234 Ryan January 16, 2013 at 2:37 pm: I’d love to have a standing desk in my office. I have trouble focusing when I sit all day, and to have an adjustable desk would be a real life saver!
5235 Chris January 16, 2013 at 2:39 pm: I’d be using it to help non-profits improve their fundraising
5236 Chris Bickhaus January 16, 2013 at 2:40 pm: I will use this desk for writing (typing), programming, and electronics work.
5237 Ed January 16, 2013 at 2:45 pm: I will be using it while I work from home.
5238 Zeke Smith January 16, 2013 at 3:02 pm: Would love to have a nice standing desk. I’d be standing there editing videos and photos on my laptop until my fingers bleed!
5239 Matt January 16, 2013 at 3:05 pm: I’m a high school teacher. We’re issued typical desks by the district, but with all of the work I do at it (IEP’s, lesson plans, grading) I can already feel my posture worsening and my back pain increasing. A solid standing desk is exactly what I need.
5240 carlin January 16, 2013 at 3:11 pm: I could use a standing desk every day as an inventory control officer. It would improve my job/life a bunch, since at present I have to frequently shuffle back & forth between the stock shelves & the computer/desk in the next room.
5241 Jarrod January 16, 2013 at 3:11 pm: I will be studying commentaries and writing homilies!
5242 Caleb January 16, 2013 at 3:13 pm: I’ve started writing novels and books for children. The amount of time I spend scribbling notes and filling exercise books is a lot more than I expected when I first dreamed of getting into this world. I recently started propping by notebooks up with an old hutch top and some big dictionaries. It’s the perfect height, but it’s structure is somewhat precarious.
5243 Skip Preble January 16, 2013 at 3:27 pm: I will move my laptop and phones to this table so that I will be forced to answer email and make calls while standing, instead of sitting at my main desk – this should make me stand up at least half of the day!
5244 Drew January 16, 2013 at 3:29 pm: I would use this desk as the editing bay for my feature length documentary.
5245 Ken Green January 16, 2013 at 3:31 pm: I will be prosecuting murderers, rapists and child molesters. The county is in dire financial straits and not able to buy new furniture right now.
5246 Mark January 16, 2013 at 3:36 pm: I’ll be using it mostly for administration as a library director. Much of my work will be sitting down so it would be great to have the ability to work standing up.
5247 James January 16, 2013 at 3:37 pm: I would use this desk for studying theology in seminary. The works of Ss. Thomas and Aquinas and Athanasius would be spending a lot of time being pored over on this desk.
5248 Ben Bennett January 16, 2013 at 3:37 pm: We live in a time of extended adolescence where the average guy is not a man but a boy who can shave. As a full time, donor supported missionary, I will be using the desk to craft sermons that challenge men to live humbly, serve others, and return to true manhood.
5249 Shawn Humphrey January 16, 2013 at 3:40 pm: I will be working on my BA History/PoliSci studies, preparing material for the township committee I chair, working on plans for a society I just founded at school, and drafting manly plans for the future!
5250 Thomas Mercil January 16, 2013 at 3:48 pm: I would sort gems and make jewlery.
5251 Daniel January 16, 2013 at 3:49 pm: At the moment I work full-time in an office setting but also attend school in the evenings. My desk is used for take-home work and studying. Chronic lower back pain is, well, a pain. Also like that my wife (4’11″) can use the same desk as me (6’2″).
5252 Alan January 16, 2013 at 3:50 pm: I will use my standing desk to design sub-components for solar systems. Among many other things, I am sure.
5253 Robert January 16, 2013 at 3:50 pm: I am a student majoring in Mining Engineering and Economics. I would use the desk for homework, studying, and reading.
5254 Charley B January 16, 2013 at 4:02 pm: I’m a prosecutor. I created a make-shift stand up desk several years ago because of back problems and after reading about all the detrimental effects of sitting for long periods of time. There are now 4-5 prosecutors in my office that stand. So, I’ll be “standing” up for justice (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist) and trying to do what’s right for both the State and the defendant.
5255 Marc P January 16, 2013 at 4:18 pm: My main hobbies are the reading and writing both poetry and fiction. I hurt my back a few moths ago and have only recently recovered from the surgery and I want to do everything in my power to strengthen my back and prevent another injury.
5256 Ben Holeton January 16, 2013 at 4:20 pm: I live in a small room in a house i’m renting from someone, so that desk will serve a ton of needs. From actual desk when I work from home to dining room table to watching movies on my computer. I love multi function pieces (I’m a minimalist) and this would be a fantastic addition to my life.
5257 James January 16, 2013 at 4:32 pm: I will be producing music on my new standing desk.
5258 Will Paddock January 16, 2013 at 4:45 pm: I would use it to finish up my final year as a chemical engineering undergraduate student.
5259 Chip January 16, 2013 at 5:08 pm: this would be awesome! i am a therapist and have to sit all day, whether seeing clients or doing a ton of paperwork. i was diagnosed with a herniated disc last year and sitting all day can be a real pain. this would allow me to stand up and stretch my body on a regular basis and be just as productive at work with a heck of a lot less pain.
5260 Fletch January 16, 2013 at 5:09 pm: This thing would be amazing! I just moved from my house into an apartment and currently my office is…. in the living room floor. I have been searching for the best solution and after running some numbers, I believe AOM awarding me this desk will be the best scenario.
Have your people contact my… person.
Thank you,
Fletch
5261 Josh January 16, 2013 at 5:14 pm: I’ll be using that desk for all of the online classes and training I’m doing right now in computer science and web development to help my career as an online marketer.
5262 Kyle January 16, 2013 at 5:17 pm: I’m a medical student, so I’d be able to do my exciting studying at a nice new desk.
5263 Jeff C January 16, 2013 at 5:21 pm: I would be teaching America’s youth!
5264 Joseph January 16, 2013 at 5:32 pm: I would love this desk to aid in my physical therapy studies. I am currently a student pursing my doctoral degree in Physical Therapy and I understand the importance of standing, especially with hours of studying.
5265 Nathan January 16, 2013 at 5:34 pm: What shall I do at this dask? Why eat a sandwich and drink coffe I should think.
5266 Aaron January 16, 2013 at 5:47 pm: Working on my Masters of Engineering Degree and improving my art skills.
5267 Pablo O January 16, 2013 at 5:56 pm: I’ll be getting rid of my “wee ankles” nickname…
5268 Zachary Scott January 16, 2013 at 5:59 pm: I would use it to work on my masters:)
5269 Michael W January 16, 2013 at 6:10 pm: I’d probably do all my school related work. The life of a college student…
5270 Peter January 16, 2013 at 6:31 pm: I could definitely use this to review and make notes on construction drawings.

Just today I was reviewing a set of full size drawings on a less then optimally sized table and just gave up and worked on the floor!

Plus, the option to stand around the table is great. Easy to work with the project team standing around a table such as this.
5271 Kraye January 16, 2013 at 6:42 pm: Working on “The Physics of Being Human”
5272 Jeff Forster January 16, 2013 at 6:46 pm: I currently have a make-shift standup desk and I love it, I do online training for 8-9 hours a day. One that is not “pieced” together would be wonderful!
5273 Steve N. January 16, 2013 at 6:47 pm: I’ll be using this desk in my duties as executive director of non-profit agency in Albuquerque — Outcomes Inc. — that provides counseling services, mediation and vocational rehab testing. I’ll be able to get rid of the phone books and crates that I’m using now to prop everything up. Folks here will be happy about that!
5274 Matias Cena January 16, 2013 at 6:55 pm: If I won his desk I’ll have the missing piece to my future dojo. I’ll be designing furniture, products, and sketching out future plans. Story boarding competition entries, studying for my architectural license, reading, and creating artwork! I have a lot of plans :)
5275 Greg January 16, 2013 at 7:16 pm: As an engineering student, pacing is in my nature. Tricky roadblocks appear all too frequently, and it’s often helpful just to be able to get the blood flowing to aid in the thinking process. This is seldom accomplished in practice with a sitting desk – but with a standing disk, it will be unavoidable. I suspect that my productivity would shoot up as I tackle my more difficult problems.
5276 Kyle Schroeder January 16, 2013 at 7:16 pm: Selling Shave Cream!
5277 Sandy January 16, 2013 at 7:34 pm: I will be writing, studying and working on apps for grad school. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
5278 Wanda January 16, 2013 at 7:44 pm: My Physical Therapist advised I need to switch to a standing desk due to injuries in my cervical and lumbar spine – and the chronic pain and complications these have caused for years (which have been exacerbated by my desk job). The desk would be used for my job as well as personal work and studying in the evenings – which would include quite a bit of computer usage along with other typical uses of a desk.
5279 Stephen Frey January 16, 2013 at 7:50 pm: I’ll be studying engineering and drinking excessive amounts of coffee on it.
5280 Anna January 16, 2013 at 7:50 pm: What a fine looking desk. It would be just the right kind of desk that would lend itself to crafts, putting my sewing machine on, and scrap booking. Big enough to spread out on and be industrious!!
5281 Dan McAndrew January 16, 2013 at 8:02 pm: I will be making lots of awesome music using my dave smith instruments tempest and a laptop, as well as writing a lot, both for my songs and for my own enjoyment. This desk could be the birthplace of a classic album.

Here’s a video about my synth called the tempest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRD8f5BJSsw … You can literally design any sound you want :)
5282 Ryan January 16, 2013 at 8:08 pm: I would use this desk to write my first book. I’m already about 9,000 words into it. It’s called Unbelievable: An Unapologetic For the Christian Faith. It’s about the tension between faith and certainty. There would also be a health benefit for me. I have a bulging disc which is aggravated by long periods of sitting. So a standing desk could be good for my health as well as my writing career!
5283 Justin January 16, 2013 at 8:13 pm: Writing and bible study.
5284 Josh McCullock January 16, 2013 at 8:21 pm: That desk is great. I’ll use to edit photos and read blogs. I’ll probably lose 20 pounds without even trying.
5285 Matt January 16, 2013 at 8:21 pm: I am in medical school and would use it during my countless hours of studying.
5286 Joe Spiwak January 16, 2013 at 8:24 pm: I’m going to use this desk to help me in my job search. I don’t have a desk anymore, so its hard to find a place to do work with an electrical outlet at my house. If I win, both I and all the people that trip over my power cords will thank you.
5287 Ross January 16, 2013 at 8:25 pm: Drafting, studying for my MBA, and becoming a better businessman.
5288 Matthew Rosenberg January 16, 2013 at 8:32 pm: I’d be analyzing forecasts and reviewing contracts – while standing. Sounds great!
5289 Joel January 16, 2013 at 8:33 pm: I will be drafting a 1:24,000 quadrangle geologic map for my master’s thesis in geology!
5290 Scott January 16, 2013 at 8:37 pm: I will be saving lives.
5291 Aubrey Charpentier January 16, 2013 at 9:06 pm: I will be writing a law review note. I often don’t get a chance to write a work, so the desk will give me a chance to work effectively at home.
5292 Travis Reese January 16, 2013 at 9:11 pm: I’m an active duty Marine officer. This desk will go into my office on Camp Lejeune where I work late planning training and world wide deployments for our Nation’s finest. Even Marines can get stuck in the office and this helps keep me moving during long days planning, instructing, and mentoring.
5293 Wayfarr January 16, 2013 at 9:15 pm: Hooray! One work space to move with me, whether sitting or standing, when working on hobbies, writing, or (gasp!) having a meal/snack.
5294 Gene McKenzie January 16, 2013 at 9:27 pm: I am a young farmer that is currently starting a CSA program in my area. Will be spending a lot of time at night and on rainy days developing my small businesses website to help advertise my farm and services.
5295 Joe Bassett January 16, 2013 at 9:29 pm: Just last week I was saying to my wife that I would like a standing desk to replace the podium in my classroom. I teach technology and productivity (think GTD) to middle-school students at a private school and the average podium is too small, but sitting behind a desk doesn’t lend itself to a commanding lecture presence. How great would it be to have a 30″X36″ work area that can hold all of my teaching materials and student aids that is also convertible from sitting to standing with the touch of a button? What an outstanding example of sublime productivity for those young knuckleheads…er, academics to witness!
5296 Ed January 16, 2013 at 9:33 pm: I’ll be drafting pleadings, reading briefs and saving the economy one small business defendant at a time.
5297 Luke January 16, 2013 at 9:41 pm: I would use the desk to continue my new yrs resolution of reading the bible daily and reading other books for more knowledge.
5298 Gabriel Chiasson January 16, 2013 at 9:42 pm: I will be studying translation, and writting a book on lutherie.
5299 Glenn Etchison January 16, 2013 at 9:55 pm: I would love to have a stand-up desk at which to test mobile phone software. Adjustable would be even better; and this looks to be a very nice one.
5300 Stephen D. January 16, 2013 at 9:55 pm: This would be perfect for my new job, testing and assembling electronics. Actually, I’d use it for nearly everything.