4 Reasons Why Treadmill Desks Are a Good Idea

Better health is only one of the benefits.

While standing desks are certainly not a new concept — with people using them as early as the 18th century — treadmill desks have recently gained popularity. Technology has allowed for under-desk walking treadmills to become smaller, lighter, and more affordable.

Since I don’t have a desk job, I never thought about the possibility of walking while working on my computer. But lately, after a sedentary pandemic lock-down and years of bad posture, I became acutely aware that I need to move my body more.

A couple of hours on Youtube and a few articles on Medium later, I was sold. I had to have a treadmill desk. There was a small hiccup, though. I live in a tiny house and hate visual clutter with passion, so, like the problem solver I am, I decided to make this happen in the most minimalist way possible.

I asked an acquaintance with a knack for DIY to build me this small, wall-mounted, tiny desk, inspired by the beautiful Gereghty Desk (N.B. none of the links are affiliates). It’s both stylish and ergonomic.

Next, I invested in a foldable walking pad. I live in Eastern Europe, so my selection was limited. Nevertheless, I decided to go with an Italian brand, hoping that it will survive my intensive use. I’m over the moon about the fact that it’s foldable and that I can easily slide it under the bed, thus freeing up my already tiny floor space.

I’ve been walking and writing on this thing for nearly two weeks now, and I can already see some benefits. So I decided to share what motivated me to make this purchase, my experience so far, and why you, too, should maybe try working at a treadmill desk.

It eliminates any excuse for being sedentary.

With most people working remotely these days, it’s only natural to see a decrease in physical activity and step count worldwide. But we’ve been sedentary long before a pandemic, and there are many reasons for that.

For me, it started with insidious, chronic pain, slowly impacting my quality of life. Add to that some mental health issues due to chronic stress, and any motivation to workout quickly goes out the window.

Even when going to work, commuting, and doing some chores around the house, I rarely hit 5000 steps a day — less than half of the recommended 10.000.

“So just walk outside,” most people would say. There’s no need to spend all that money on a custom-made desk and expensive equipment. And that’s absolutely sound advice. I live 5 minutes away from a hiking trail, and I’m the happy owner of an active dog. I should go outside all the time, yet, unfortunately, I don’t.

There are plenty of things we “should” be doing, but just because they are the right choice, it doesn’t necessarily make them the first choice. Walking 10K steps takes on average one hour and a half. Who has one hour and a half for their health every day?

I love to occasionally go on a hike, but I would feel deprived of my leisure time if I were to walk 90 minutes every day. There are so many things I could be doing instead: learning, researching, writing, watching videos. This treadmill desk hack allows me to spend hours on my computer guilt-free. Win-win.

Note that walking on a treadmill shouldn’t be a substitute for other types of physical activity. Still, in my opinion, if it’s sustainable longterm, it sure is better than nothing.

It allows for better posture and reduces back pain.

Observe yourself while walking. Notice how it’s nearly impossible to slouch the way you would if you sat down? Walking engages a whole array of muscles in your hips and torso that help stabilize the spine and keep you in a correct upright position.

Walking also nourishes the spine structures, facilitates blood circulation, and helps release feel-good endorphins.

You should make sure your standing desk meets the ergonomic requirements for perfect posture:

• The top of your monitor should be at eye level and at arm’s length;
• Your arms should be by your side, bending at a 90 to 120-degree angle;
• You should have adequate room for your keyboard and mouse;
• You should keep your shoulders relaxed.

The treadmills typically used for walking don’t have anything to hold on to, so lightly placing your hands on the desk counts as the perfect support.

It improves your mood and gets you into flow.

Typing while on a treadmill doesn’t come naturally to anyone, but it’s something you get used to surprisingly fast.

Yes, you will type slower at first. Yes, you will complain about how your monitor is too high. Your shins will hurt, and your back will hurt, and your legs will get all wobbly after an hour or two.

Some articles mention decreased focus while working on a treadmill, but I find the opposite of that to be true. When I set the right speed, put on my headphones, and start working on a story, I get so deeply immersed in whatever I’m doing that an hour might fly by before I look down at my step count.

Maybe it’s the motor’s low hum, maybe it’s the leisurely pace or the sense of accomplishment after walking 20.000+ steps, but I feel like the treadmill desk does wonders for my anxiety levels.

A lot of us are jittery when we get stressed. I’m one of those sedentary, but internally jittery persons. Wouldn’t it be nice to switch that around? I would be both fit and happy. Anyway, burning physical energy quiets my thoughts and helps me calm down.

It boosts your energy during that midday slump.

Walking is calming and consumes excess energy, but it doesn’t deplete us. We can actually use it as an energy booster during times when most of us would be reaching for another cup of coffee.

Since getting this treadmill, I find myself hopping on it after lunch, when I would typically be in a food coma. I sometimes jump on it late at night, just to get a little more work done and energize myself for an evening tidy-up.

I love how accessible it is and how easily rewarded I feel after I’ve walked for a while that day. If nothing else gets done, at least I can be proud of walking while watching cat videos for two hours straight.

Extra tips

• Have two desks: Walking and standing for the entire workday isn’t sustainable or healthy for your legs. I strongly advise that you have a second, regular desk, waiting for you when you get tired.
• Play around with speeds: I type at the measly pace of 1.3 mph, and up my speed as much as I can while watching videos. The trick is to find a comfortable pace; otherwise, you’ll never stick to this longterm.
• Take good care of your feet: You should be replacing your athletic shoes every three months if you walk on your treadmill for more than an hour every day. Also, listen to your body and try not to overdo it — although there’s nothing a warm bath and some Epsom salts won’t fix.

Treadmill desks aren’t just a fad; they were born out of the necessity of balancing our unhealthy, busy lives.

Give them a try and see your health and mood improve exponentially, which in turn will allow you to be more focused and productive. On your way to a calm and fit lifestyle, progress is achievable literally one step at a time.

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