Do you spend most of your day sitting at a desk? If so, you might be putting your health and performance at risk. Getting enough daily movement can be hard in today’s society where many jobs involve sitting for long hours. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, premature death, and back pain with muscle imbalances. Statistics show:
Americans spend 55% of their waking time sedentary and according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 American adults sit more than 8 hours every day. 44% of Americans did no real (10 minutes or more) moderate- or vigorous- intensity activity in a typical week.
According to the CDC, 1 in 10 premature deaths in America could be prevented by getting enough physical activity.
A recent study found that people who take at least 7,000 steps each day are at lower risk of early death than those who take fewer steps each day.
But what if you could work while staying active and energized? That's where treadmill desks come in. In this blog post, we will explore how treadmill desks can greatly enhance your physical well-being and overall productivity, providing you with an invigorating and dynamic work day.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TREADMILL DESK HEALTH BENEFITS
According to various studies and experts, using a treadmill desk workstation can have positive impacts on your physical and mental health, as well as your work performance. Here are some of the many treadmill desk benefits:
TREADMILL DESKS IMPROVE GENERAL HEALTH
Using a treadmill desk can offer several health benefits, and one of the most significant is the opportunity for regular walking. As a physical therapist who works with the senior population, I've observed that individuals who have maintained a walking program tend to recover better after an injury than those who haven't. This highlights the importance of regular physical activity, especially as we age. With a treadmill desk, you can easily incorporate walking into your daily routine, improving your physical health and overall well-being while you work.
I think we have all heard about the numerous benefits of increasing your step count throughout the day, and with good reason. Studies have consistently shown that walking regularly can significantly lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. In fact, renowned author and psychologist Dr. Travis Bradberry has emphasized the importance of walking by stating that it is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your overall health and well-being.
"Walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise, and using a treadmill desk can provide an easy and convenient way to incorporate more walking into your daily routine." -Dr. Travis Bradberry
In addition to these benefits, regular walking can also strengthen muscles, bones, and joints, and boost the immune system. By using a treadmill desk, individuals can incorporate more physical activity into their workday, which can have significant positive effects on their overall health and well-being.
TREADMILL DESKS REDUCES STATIC POSTURES AND OTHER DISEASES
Another key benefit of using a treadmill desk is the opportunity to reduce the negative effects of static postures associated with prolonged sitting. Sitting for long periods can lead to muscle stiffness, back pain, neck pain, and poor posture, which can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. Additionally, prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of several chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, as well as a higher risk of premature death.
"Sitting for prolonged periods of time is one of the biggest health risks we face in the modern workplace. Treadmill desks offer a simple and effective solution to reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting and promote more physical activity throughout the day." - Dr. David Agus
Using a treadmill desk provides an effective solution to reduce the amount of time spent sitting during the workday, and walking helps to engage different muscle groups, which can help reduce muscle stiffness and pain associated with prolonged sitting while improving overall posture.
TREADMILL DESKS INCREASE ENERGY LEVELS
Using a treadmill desk is a great way to boost your energy levels throughout the workday. Walking stimulates blood circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your body's tissues and organs, resulting in improved energy levels and feelings of alertness.
"A treadmill desk will definitely boost your energy. You have no choice but to keep moving, so your blood sugar doesn't drop, your body temperature doesn't drop, and you don't feel sluggish." - James Levine (endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic)
Walking also releases endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals. They help combat feelings of fatigue and boost your overall sense of well-being; and as a result, incorporating walking into your work routine through the use of a treadmill desk can help you feel more energetic, motivated, and productive.
Sitting in the same position for long periods can lead to feelings of monotony and lethargy, which can affect your productivity and focus. By incorporating walking into your workday, you can break up the monotony and add some variety to your routine. It gives you a mental break and helps you clear your mind, allowing for a more refreshed and recharged mind and body.
TREADMILL DESKS ENCOURAGE WEIGHT LOSS
Walking is a highly effective way to burn calories and achieve weight loss. When you use a treadmill desk, you engage in light exercise that can help you burn more calories than you would while sitting or standing at a traditional desk.
Depending on your weight, speed, and duration of walking, you can burn up to 200 calories per hour by using a treadmill desk. This means that over the course of a typical workday, you could burn several hundred extra calories, helping you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
"If you walk for a couple of hours at work, you'll burn an extra 400 to 600 calories a day. Over a year, that can translate into a weight loss of more than 20 pounds - without changing anything else in your life." - James Levine, MD
Additionally, walking has been shown to boost your metabolism, leading to more efficient calorie burning even when you're not actively walking. This means that the benefits of using a treadmill desk extend beyond just the time you spend walking and can have a positive impact on your weight and overall health over the long-term.
TREADMILL DESKS BOOST MEMORY AND ATTENTION
In addition to its physical benefits, walking can also have a significant positive impact on your cognitive functions. Studies have shown that walking can enhance brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating neurogenesis, which is the creation of new brain cells. By promoting the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning, walking can improve your ability to retain information and enhance your overall cognitive performance.
Walking has been shown to have a delayed effect on recall and attention, meaning that you can remember and focus better after walking. By using a treadmill desk, you can reap these cognitive benefits while working, making it easier to stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Additionally, walking while working can also make you feel more attentive and increase your chances of answering a question correctly. This can be particularly beneficial in work environments that require a high level of focus and mental acuity. By incorporating regular walking into your work routine, you can improve your memory, attention, and overall cognitive function, leading to better performance and productivity in the workplace.
TREADMILL DESKS ENHANCE CREATIVITY AND PRODUCTIVITY
In addition to its physical and cognitive benefits, using a treadmill desk can also enhance your creativity and productivity.
Contrary to what some people might think, walking while working can actually increase productivity by promoting focus and alertness.
Studies have shown that people who use a treadmill desk are more engaged and productive than those who sit at a desk all day. Treadmill desk productivity is positively correlated. By incorporating movement into your workday, you can combat the negative effects of sedentary behavior and maintain high levels of productivity throughout the day.
Walking has also been shown to stimulate creativity, which can be particularly beneficial for people who work in creative fields. The increased blood flow to the brain that results from walking can stimulate the generation of new ideas and help you to think more creatively.
Walking stimulates the parts of the brain that are associated with creativity and innovation." - Laura Vanderkam, author and time-management expert
IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH
In addition to its physical benefits, using a treadmill desk can also improve your mental health. Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels. People who work in high-stress environments can benefit greatly from regular exercise, as it can help to alleviate symptoms of stress and promote overall well-being.
Regular exercise can also have a positive impact on mental health by promoting the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood elevators. Endorphins can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and improve mood, leading to a greater sense of well-being and improved mental health.
"The act of walking itself can be very calming and help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an ideal way to improve mental health and well-being." - Dr. Steven Blair
By incorporating a treadmill desk into your work routine, you can improve your mental health and overall well-being. With reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function, you can approach your work with a clearer, more positive mindset and perform at your best.
TIPS FOR USING A TREADMILL DESK EFFECTIVELY
While using a treadmill desk has many benefits, it is important to take some precautions to ensure safety and comfort. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you plan to use a treadmill desk or walking pad at the office or at home:
Place your treadmill desk on a flat and stable surface and ensure that all components are securely in place before using it.
Select a gentle and low-impact walking speed that won't distract you or make you sweat excessively. The recommended speed is between 1 to 2 miles per hour (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Increase the amount of time you use the treadmill desk gradually. Begin with 15 minutes per hour and gradually work your way up to 30 minutes per hour or more based on your comfort level.
Ensure that your arms are at a 90° angle to your keyboard and your screen is at eye level to avoid straining your wrists, neck, or eyes.
In my experience, I have found it helpful to maintain focus on work during drowsy periods. My boyfriend works from home and has set up his own treadmill desk using an existing treadmill. He has been using it for years and highly recommends it. During the afternoon slump, he finds that using the treadmill boosts his focus, energy levels, and mood. I appreciate being able to get some exercise in when my schedule gets busy!
TOP RATED TREADMILL DESKS
Here are a few top-rated treadmill desks on the market that you may want to consider if you're thinking about incorporating a treadmill desk into your workday routine. Making a change to your work environment can be a big decision, but these options have received positive reviews from users and experts alike. It's important to find a treadmill desk that fits your specific needs and budget, so take some time to research and compare features before making a purchase.
1. Treadmill Desk Attachment like the one seen here. If you wish to use your treadmill for running, incline walking or more vigorous exercise, using a desk attachment to a standard treadmill is a great idea.
2. GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill - This treadmill is easy to move and store away with an affordable price tag. It also has a remote control and a Bluetooth speaker. A few cons of the treadmill are the weak motor and lightweight frame, but it is a great under desk treadmill.
3. The GoYouth 2 in 1 Treadmill - The treadmill is easy to move weighing in at 64 lbs. and is able to reach a speed of 6 mph with a LED screen that displays time, speed, steps and calories burned. It, however, has a short desk. You can use a standing desk with treadmill under the desk, stow away the treadmill when not in use.
A treadmill desk offers a host of benefits, including increased physical activity, cardiovascular health and improved mental health. It may not be suitable for everyone but is an amazing option to help combat a sedentary lifestyle, inactivity, chronic diseases and pain associated with immobility. What do you think? Would you use one? Do you use one? Let me know in the comments below.
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