Forget exercise in the form of the typical grueling 1 hr. daily workout. If you really want to improve your health, buy a standing desk.

Manufacturer Stand2Learn knows this wisdom is particularly apropos for children, who generally prefer a more spontaneous approach to activity and who instinctively rebel against sitting for hours on end. The company offers standing desks with unique contours and varied dimensions for different age groups, including single- and dual-size worktops for K-3rd, 3rd-5th, and 5th-12th grades.

The desks are portable, durable, affordable, and attractive: made of tubular steel with a scratch-resistant polymetric top, they feature adjustable footrests and worktop heights, in addition to a variety of finishes-fusion maple, gray, black, and wild cherry.

Additional options include adjustable glides for easy leveling, open-leg design to align with posture and eliminate knee knocking, and t-mold trim.

Research supports the notion that standing desks are good for you. They promote subtle movements that increase caloric burn, helping kids to be less sedentary and more fit. Even more encouraging, standing improves eye contact with teachers, thus minimizing restlessness, increasing focus, reducing behavioral disturbance, and improving overall classroom collaboration-definitely a worthwhile investment.

For information on outfitting your classroom with standing desks, see Stand2Learn.