As an occupational therapist, a mom of 4 small kids, and an avid arts and crafts enthusiast, I have to say that the FlexiSpot Kana Pro Bamboo has become my new favorite standing desk.
I’ve broken up my review into a few sections including assembly, ease of use, body mechanics and health benefits, and aesthetics.
Aesthetics
Aside from the health benefits the Kana Pro Bamboo Standing Desk provides, I must comment on how lovely it looks in my office space. I love how FlexiSpot offers color options for the frame and that the desktop comes in an eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing bamboo material. The feet come with non-skid padding so to avoid scuffing up the floors. The desk frame legs are rounded, which keeps small kids from hitting their heads on the corners, but it also looks less clumpy and more professional.
Assembly
The first feature you notice about this desk the second it arrives at your door is it’s REALLY heavy. My desk came in two boxes, one for the desk frame and the other for the desktop. As far as the bamboo desktop goes, it’s relatively lightweight and easy to manage with one person. The frame, however, should be transported by at least two people to avoid injury.
Personally, the Kana Pro took me approximately one hour to assemble and the instructions were straightforward (note: keep a Philips screwdriver on hand). Keep in mind, I have above average experience in assembling standing desks and a wide array of furniture. So, I can figure out assembly instructions rather quickly. For individuals who struggle with managing assembly instructions or have health issues (i.e. arthritis, heart issues, spinal conditions, respiratory issues) that keep them from safely lifting the heavy desk frame parts, it may be well worth your time to have a friend or a professional
Ease Of Use
The device that adjusts the height of the desk is very easy to use and can be installed on either the left or right side depending on the user’s preference. I didn’t realize how much I’d love the child lock feature until I noticed all four of my children climbing all over the desk seconds after I finished assembly. The collision management feature is fantastic for someone like me because I often store things under my desks and am only reminded of what’s under the desk after I’ve crushed everything. This is also great for if one of my kids tries to sneak under the desk while I’m adjusting the height.
I also like how I can preset two different heights for the desk, one height for me and one for my husband. Since we both get fidgety, we find ourselves transferring from a sitting to a standing position frequently so having the option to preset different heights is extremely convenient.
Another feature that I must brag about is the cable management tray under the desktop. Having four kiddos who like to pull and chew on electric cords creates a chaotic and scary world for me. I love that the tray hides away most of the cords and keeps it all out of arm’s reach from my children. This is also a great benefit for when I want to move the desk to a different room because then I don’t risk tearing, ripping, or squishing the cords.
Lastly, I must comment again on how heavy this desk is and why it’s a good thing. Although it makes for tricky assembly, the heavy frame resolves a big safety issue: tipping. I’m so glad the frame is heavy and sturdy so that the desk will stay standing even at the highest height adjustment. One of the most terrifying things for a parent is to watch furniture tip over on a child, and I’m glad I have the reassurance that this desk is not going to budge while in use.
Body Mechanics & Health Benefits
Standing desks have been making a splash in the ergonomics world, especially in the last two years since so many adults have chosen to work remotely from home. Basic health benefits include combating the health issues associated with prolonged sitting. I’d like to point out some of the body mechanics and health benefits I’ve experienced from using this particular standing desk.
Less hip and back pain: As I’ve gotten older, I don’t tolerate sitting very well especially for extensive periods of time. My hips and lower back seize up and my neck starts screaming at me. I usually take yoga breaks after I’ve been sitting for far too long so my hips and back come back to a better place. This standing desk gives me the opportunity to switch from sit to standing while continuing with my desk work. I can even do a lot of my yoga techniques while standing at the desk and continue with my work.
Note: I ordered the desktop with the curved edge on the front so I felt like I could stand closer to the desk and reach everything I was working on without overly bending at my back and hips. I love this feature. Sure, many people will do well with the traditional rectangular desktop. For me, I think the curved feature is more suitable so I can reach all my arts and crafts supplies without hurting myself.
Reduced headaches: If I’m sitting too long, no matter what task I’m doing in sitting, it triggers my migraines. If I remember to switch from sitting to standing frequently, I can keep most of my headaches at bay. Rather than try to remind myself to do this in a traditional desk, I love that I already have a standing desk that motivates me to get up.
Increased circulation: For me, standing up means increased blood circulation throughout the body. This helps reduce my migraines, helps me breathe better, keeps my mind and body awake, and prevents unwanted joint pain in my hips, back and neck. I hurt less and I’m more alert, which means I have the energy and capacity to continue my desk work uninterrupted.
The Verdict
Overall, I give the FlexiSpot Kana Pro Bamboo Standing Desk a 5/5.