The idea of working out doesn't seem to fit in the schedule of most individuals with a 9-5 job. Because at the end of the day, it's never 9-5; even if it is, the constant 8-hour grind through the day every day leaves little or no energy for a workout.
For such individuals, a treadmill desk seems like a great idea as it allows you to work out while at work. Hence, it provides you with the opportunity to accomplish two important tasks of your day without the need to spend more hours.
What more can you wish for?
'But sometimes, things like treadmill desks that seem so amazing because they allow you to multitask dont actually work for everyone.
If you are fascinated by the idea of working out and working at the same time but are confused about whether a treadmill desk is a right fit for you or not, this post is for you.
We look at the pros and cons of using a treadmill desk so you can learn about the advantages you can enjoy by getting some extra exercise at work and some disadvantages. By the end of the article, you will have a better idea of whether or not you should purchase one for yourself.
What Is a Treadmill Desk?
Before we delve into all the pros and cons of a treadmill desk, let's skim through the basics of what a treadmill desk is.
Simply put, a treadmill desk is a standing desk at an appropriate height for you so you can walk on a treadmill while working on your computer. Hence, it is a workstation setup that allows you to incorporate your workout routine into your workday.
While treadmill desks have been in the market since 2007, recently, there has been a significant surge in their demand as an increasing number of employees with desk jobs are now working remotely. Hence, they now have the freedom and choice to design their workstation according to their needs and preference, which is why they are now taking measures to prioritize their fitness along with their jobs.
Now that you know what a treadmill desk is, let's delve into the pros and cons of a treadmill desk.
The Pros Of a Treadmill Desk
Treadmill desks seem appealing for many individuals with desk jobs. After all, it's always a struggle to squeeze gym or park time and pool visits into an already busy schedule. However, treadmill desks provide you with the solution as they offer the flexibility of working out and bring all the health benefits of exercise without sparing extra time at the gym or in the park. Moreover, the use of a treadmill desk also has a positive impact on your productivity and overall well-being.
Let's take a closer look at the pros of a treadmill desk and understand how you may benefit from investing in one.
Provides You the Opportunity to Work out While Working
There is a significant advantage to using a treadmill desk, and it's very obvious.
With a treadmill desk, you get an opportunity to work out while working. And the opportunity is so huge that it allows you to cover a lot more steps and burn a lot more calories than you could otherwise do on days when you have to spend 8 hours at your workplace.
So all those impossible-to-achieve step targets, such as 10,000 steps a day beyond one's capacity on typical work days, seem manageable when you have a treadmill desk. It allows you to walk conveniently while working, get as many steps as you want, and easily accomplish all those enormous step targets.
Think of it this way. If you need 20-30 minutes to cover 2,000 steps, calculate the amount of time needed to accomplish your goal of 10,000 steps. Does the target seem manageable?
And depending on how much and how intensely you walk, you can expect to lose a good amount of weight in a few months only by using a treadmill desk.
Keeps You Alert At All Times
If you are an office employee with a desk job, you would be quite familiar with the typical energy dip following the lunch hour. When the bellies are full, you only need to take a nap.
And while many organizations are now incorporating arrangements where employees can take a quick nap, using a treadmill serves as a way to keep you active and energetic throughout the day. Walking on the treadmill, especially following meals, helps your body digest its food appropriately, providing more energy to your body and allowing you to make your time at work.
Protects You Against Several Health Conditions
For all the individuals with a desk job, it doesn't come as a surprise that sitting is the new smoking. Spending longer hours in a sitting position can negatively impact your health and well-being and contribute to several physical and mental health conditions ranging from diabetes to high blood pressure, coronary heart diseases, obesity, cancer, and even depression and anxiety.
While sitting contributes to several health conditions, the risk of these health conditions multiplies for individuals who spend long hours in a sitting position and regularly skip a workout because they are not left with any time or energy after work. A treadmill desk offers a solution to this problem. It allows employees with desk jobs to work out during their hours, significantly reducing the risk of several physical and mental health conditions.
Over time, as you continue to work out while working, you can lower your risk of anxiety and depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, obesity, and cancer while saving time for your family.
Helps You Sleep Better At Night
As we talk about all the benefits of a treadmill desk, let's not forget that using a treadmill desk can have a positive impact on your nighttime snooze. When you work out during the day, it contributes to better nighttime sleep.
If you have been struggling with maintaining sleep hygiene lately, try using a treadmill desk and notice how it can help you get more sleep.
Enhances Mental Function
If you walk regularly, it helps improve blood circulation to different parts of your body, including your brain. When your brain gets more oxygen-rich blood, it helps you think more clearly. So if you are facing a difficult problem while working, take a quick walk on the treadmill under your treadmill desk and figure out a way to clear things up and constructively deal with a difficult problem.
Increases Your Productivity
Finally, if you are trying to convince yourself to invest in a treadmill desk, then you shouldn't miss out on this one. Using a treadmill desk can have a positive impact on your productivity. While it may take some time before you can get used to the idea of walking while working, you will be surprised to see how this small change can lead to a significant positive impact on your productivity.
Cons of a Treadmill Desk
While there are numerous benefits of using a treadmill desk, it is important to know the downsides before you head out to get one for yourself. Some of the cons associated with using a treadmill desk include the following.
High Need for Space
A treadmill desk is not a sleek piece of furniture. Since it accommodates a treadmill under it, a treadmill desk takes up a lot of space, so if you have a very small cubicle or a small home office, fitting in a treadmill desk might not be possible.
Makes an Expensive Investment
Additionally, going for a treadmill desk is not always a pocket-friendly decision. When you choose a treadmill desk, you will also invest in a treadmill, that is another investment. Moreover, both your treadmill desk and the piece of fitness equipment will need regular care and maintenance as it needs to be cleaned and serviced regularly.
Working and Walking on the Treadmill May be Challenging
For many individuals, walking while working doesn't come naturally, and it requires a lot of practice to get used to the idea of working and walking.
Too Much Standing May Be As Bad As Too Much Sitting
Finally, when you invest in a treadmill desk, you are expected to spend a lot of time standing. Similarly to spending too much time sitting, standing for too long can be a bad idea, and you will have to fit short sitting breaks into your routine to avoid fatigue.
Final Thoughts
Treadmill desks are a great solution to fit workout sessions into your workday, but the obvious advantages come with a few cons, which you now know. If you are looking for a treadmill desk, get in touch with FlexiSpot, which offers a wide range of standing desks. Moreover, since a treadmill desk alone won't serve the purpose, you need to invest in an appropriate treadmill that can fit in well with your treadmill desk. The 2-in-1 folding treadmill 01 makes a brilliant under-desk treadmill. With unique features and design, this one is a must-have along with your favorite treadmill desk. Find out more about 2-in-1 folding treadmill 01 and other products by FlexiSpot here.
