A Different Kind Of Treadmill At Work

With so many experts weighing in on the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, I’ve been looking for ways to keep my activity level up. I’m conscious of being active as much as possible, and I look for new things to incorporate into my workday that will help. Still, I often find myself sitting a lot, like many people do.

I recently purchased a Fit-bit monitor which tracks my activity level, calories burned and steps walked per day. I notice when I sit without moving for hours, I start to feel it. Not only does my derriere feel like it’s spreading unfavorably, but I also feel lethargic and stressed. Experts recommend an average of 10,000 steps per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are days when I notice that I don’t even walk 4,000—OMG!

On a recent trip to Gym Source, my go to gym gadget guru, I found out there’s a new way to keep moving in the office: Working at a treadmill desk. Treadmill desks are literally a combination of a treadmill and a desk. There are many available on the market, ranging from $1,000-$5,000+, depending on the quality of the treadmill and size of the desk.

I’ve read a few studies that support using a treadmill desk, because activity increases blood flow to the brain, and potentially enhances creativity. But recently I read a study (published in PLoS One), which said working on a treadmill desk actually causes a slight drop of productivity.

As much as I love the idea, sadly, I don’t think a treadmill desk is for me. I’d be too afraid of tripping and falling flat on my face. Other than answering a few phone calls I don’t think I could concentrate for a long period of time or type an email for that matter. Oh well, I guess its back to the drawing board.

Do you keep your activity level up in the office? I would love to hear how.