Treadmill desks are the latest workplace trend.
In a previous post we told you about how the Xdesk is the ultimate ergonomic workstation–it is perfectly adjustable for any height and any position, from the desk to the keyboard and even the monitor’s position. While doing a bit of Internet digging, I found that while the Xdesk may be the ideal ergonomic workstation, it has got nothing on this latest trend. Introducing the treadmill desk.
Yes, you read that correctly: the treadmill desk.
The Xdesk Fit can keep you moving all day.
This gem takes the idea of ergonomic workstations and standing desks to a whole new level. It is a veritable walking desk.
The treadmill desk is the creation of Dr. James Levine from the Mayo Clinic. The idea is to slowly walk on a treadmill while still working at your desk built around a treadmill.
I don’t have a treadmill desk of my own, but right now as I’m typing this, I’m giving it a shot. I’m walking. And typing. It’s pretty easy.
But this does make me wonder, do you really need to pay the extra $500 or so for a treadmill desk when you can literally do the same thing by walking behind your standing desk?
I use a Xdesk adjustable height desk and I’m walking behind it right now—going just as “far” as I would be on a slow-moving treadmill. So what is the difference?
Self-motivation, I suppose. With a classic ergonomic workstation like the Xdesk you’ll have to motivate yourself to stand up and move your feet. With a treadmill desk, if it is on, you really don’t have any option (unless you want to end up on the floor).
But even without the latest treadmill desk and without an ergonomic workstation at all, you must still motivate yourself to get up and get moving. Take breaks during your workday to walk around the building. Print to the printer down the hall instead of near your office. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
And when you get home, don’t collapse onto the couch—get outside, play with your kids, your dogs, or just play! It is my professional opinion (as a writer…) that life is taken way too seriously. There is too much work and not enough play. And too much sitting, and not enough moving!
So get yourself up and active. And if it takes this extreme ergonomic workstation to motivate you, then by all means get a treadmill desk! The point is, just move. Your body will thank you for it.
What is your unique and brilliant idea for the next ergonomic workstation? Share your thoughts below (Or patent them and then share your thoughts below…)!
