Treadmill Desks Promote Wellness in the Workplace A treadmill desk is an office desk that sits on top of a treadmill that lets the user walk while working. It may seem like an odd concept, but it's effective at increasing productivity and promoting health and wellness at work. In a small study, Salo employees who utilized treadmill desks were praised for the positive impact it had on their health and performance at work. The motivations behind using a treadmill desk varied, but most involved health-related motives. Health Benefits A treadmill desk in your office is an effective way to add activity to your day as well as increase thermogenesis and help you maintain a healthy posture. These workstations allow you to accomplish a variety of modern tasks for business including Skype calls, web searches email, typing -- while walking at a slower pace. However, it takes some time to become comfortable using treadmills while working, because the machine can shake and sway a bit. Luckily, many manufacturers have specially designed treadmills that reduce vibrations and maintain the speed at a comfortable level. It's not easy to figure out exactly how much weight you'll lose by using a treadmill desk, the fact that you're burning calories and moving helps fight the negative consequences of a sedentary life on your health. Studies have shown that prolonged periods of sitting can raise your risk of heart disease as well as cancer, diabetes and obesity. Treadmill desks can also help improve your mental health by increasing your mood and decreasing stress levels. This is particularly true when you walk at a slower pace. The treadmill's slope can also boost your energy levels and provide an energy boost which can result in greater productivity. A treadmill desk can help you shed weight. In a small study, overweight people who used a treadmill at a speed 1 mph per hour burned 100 calories more. It's important to remember that your diet is an important element in your ability to shed weight. You must burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. If you're looking to achieve a healthier lifestyle but do not have the time or money to commit to the gym, a treadmill desk can be a viable option. Before you purchase a treadmill you must consider the pros and cons. Also, take into consideration your own personal work habits and your office space when selecting a model. You can select a treadmill which can be used by many people. This allows everyone in the office to benefit of its health benefits, hopping on for calls or emails, then returning to their normal desks afterward. Weight Loss Treadmill desks have a moment. The hashtag #TreadmillDesk is trending on TikTok and celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Jimmy Kimmel are applauding the treadmill desks. However, beyond being all the rage on social media treadmill desks can be a fantastic workstation option that can improve your health and productivity at the same time. According to a study that was published in the journal PLOS ONE including treadmill exercise in your daily routine at work has multiple advantages for weight loss and overall health. On average, a person burns 100 calories every hour on the treadmill. This can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes. The amount of weight you lose on a desk treadmill depends largely on your diet and other activities during the week. Another way that a treadmill desk could benefit your health is by improving circulation that can help to in preventing and even treating problems with circulation. Walking can boost your metabolism and increase the amount of lipoprotein fatase, the primary factor in the burning of fat and the use of glucose. The moderate intensity walking on a treadmill for work will not only increase metabolism, but also boost bone strength and reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis. If you are planning to incorporate a treadmill desk into your routine, it is best to first get your doctor's permission and then begin to slow down your pace. If you're walking for extended periods, it can cause neck, back and shoulder pain. A treadmill desk can take some getting used to, especially for those who haven't worked out for a while. It is best to start slowly and gradually ramp it up once you've got hang of it. For instance, you could start with 15 minutes of walking a day and gradually increasing it by five minute increments over the period of one week. Moreover, you should ensure that your workstation is installed so that you don't suffer any injuries over time. This includes setting up your treadmill desk at a moderate pace, wearing appropriate footwear and avoid excessive use of the treadmill. Productivity Boosted Although it's difficult to measure the performance of your workplace objectively, many users of treadmill desks claim that they are more productive at work. This may be because the treadmill desk allows workers to concentrate on the task at hand, and not on maintaining a healthy posture and walking speed. It also could be that moving while working increases worker morale and satisfaction with their jobs. Using a treadmill desk could assist people in achieving their fitness goals. They can be a great solution for people who want to be more active but struggle to fit it into their busy schedules. However, it's important to remember that a treadmill desk won't burn enough calories to achieve weight reduction goals, and it is essential to continue by exercising regularly and eat a healthy diet to lose weight. The research conducted on treadmill desks is promising, but more needs to be studied. For instance future studies should investigate the impact of treadmill desks on various types of tasks and how they could vary depending on the person's level of fitness. They should also consider the ways in which treadmill desks can be employed to increase productivity by targeting obstacles and motivators, such as promoting competitive goals (like daily steps) or offering walking-related prompts and feedback. It's also important to consider the risks associated with running on treadmills. People who use treadmill desks may be afflicted by motion sickness that are similar to feeling sick while watching a movie or in a vehicle. This can be a problem if it's combined with prolonged periods of sitting, or if you're in a hurry to finish a project before the deadline. It's also important to remember that treadmill desks are only designed for a low to moderate walking speed and should not be used to run or walk at an angle. Moreover, it's best to alternate walking and sitting throughout the day so that you're not stuck in one position for too long. Ergonomics Many people experience back pain after sitting for long periods at their work station. You can work comfortably and move your body as you work, reducing the chance of neck or back pain. It also keeps your core healthy, improves posture and boosts levels of energy. Additionally running while working out engages various muscle groups, which helps to prevent repetitive stress injuries (RSI). According to a study conducted by James Levine at the University of Minnesota, treadmill desk users have lower cholesterol and higher productivity. The study included 23 people who utilized treadmill desks. They answered an online questionnaire that contained 23 questions concerning demographics, features about their living environment as well as their work schedules (type and hours worked) treadmill desk characteristics, the manufacturer and date of purchase. The study also revealed that treadmill users decreased the amount of time they spend in a seated position during work hours, which reduced the amount of sedentary time and improved health outcomes. The research also found that those who were satisfied with their treadmill desks had a healthy work-life equilibrium. This is consistent with previous research demonstrating that coworker social contagion can impact the use of active workstations, like treadmill desks (Batchelder and Washington 2021). Although a treadmill desk might not offer the ideal environment for high-intensity physical activity however, it can be a helpful tool to interrupt prolonged periods of sedentary activity and decrease health risks associated with sitting down. Treadmill desks are an alternative to stationary office furniture and are suitable for those with physical or mental issues that make standing or walking difficult. In the majority of cases, treadmill desks can be used to accomplish a variety of tasks. There is a learning curve to certain skills, like handwriting or typing. Those who experience difficulty should seek advice from a healthcare professional. Selecting a treadmill that is quiet and able to be adjusted in speed is essential and should be considered along with the stability of the desk. New users of a treadmill desk are advised to begin slowly and gradually increase their mileage. There is a common misconception that you need to run two miles in one hour, but the correct pace depends on your stamina and your workplace.