When you work a desk job, it can be challenging to squeeze in the magic number of steps per day. However, you don’t have to compromise your personal health for a paycheck. Over the years, treadmill desks have become increasingly popular work and wellness tools. They can help reduce your daily number of sedentary hours by providing the opportunity to take thousands of extra steps without throwing off your work schedule. In fact, many treadmill desk users report happier joints, improved productivity, easier weight management, and a greater sense of overall wellness.
“Active movements for otherwise idle activities boost metabolism and energy, especially for that post-lunch lull,” says John Groves, DPT, who is a practicing physical therapist and CEO of Fit for Work, a San Antonio-based injury prevention firm that helps large companies reduce workplace injuries. “And you will be amazed at how much less back soreness and joint stiffness you feel when you intersperse walking instead of sitting.”
It can take some time to acclimate to a treadmill desk workstation—finding your ideal walking-and-working pace requires some trial and error, and movement can make it more challenging to type without errors. But if you want to create a healthier work routine, a treadmill desk is an excellent addition worth considering. Keep in mind that treadmill desks typically have low maximum speeds, ranging from two to eight miles per hour, which means they’re best paired with desks and not suited for exercise alone.
Simplify your search by looking out for stability to prevent injuries, a noise level suited to your preferences, adjustability to match your height, belt length, and ease of assembly.
Here are the best treadmill desks on the market to complement your work setup.