Have you heard of 'Under Desk Treadmills'?
I think every remarkable invention begins with an idea, and this concept has undoubtedly crossed the minds of many before finally gaining traction. In my view, it's genious. It meets the needs of most of my clients who used to say to me:
"I'm stuck to my desk for 14 hours a day."
"Back-to-back Zoom meetings leave me little room for physical activity unless I quit my job."
"I used to cycle to work in Moorgate five days a week, but the shift to hybrid work after Covid has made me inactive for three days while working from home."
Here is a fantastic solution, especially during calls, when space for walking around is limited. They represent a step up from standing desks, as they allow you to achieve the recommended 10,000 daily steps set by the NHS. In my trials, I managed approximately 4,000 steps in just 30 minutes. This varies based on your speed.
Imagine working at your desk for eight hours a day. Even if you use the treadmill for three sessions of 20 minutes each, you'll cover around 8,000 steps or more, depending on your pace. Additionally, if you stand for three hours intermittently, that means half of your working day becomes active. It's a no-brainer for those seeking to boost their activity level without making major lifestyle adjustments, all for an investment of around £300-350.
Moreover, you can burn up to 340 calories per hour, roughly equivalent to two glasses of medium wine, and it demands minimal effort. This is my selling point when I say this to my wine lover clients although I don’t have any financial benefits!!
In summary, these under-desk treadmills offer the following advantages:
Convenience
Affordability
Time efficiency
Space-saving
Suitable for desk-centric work, especially if you have a standing desk
Alleviates lower back pain and improves posture
Suitable for year-round use, even in chilly weather
However, there are a few draw-backs. If your balance is generally not very good, it may take some getting used to, as these treadmills are quite narrow. Inattentiveness while focusing on your screen might result in a stumble, so it's advisable to start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the duration. Ideal usage includes incorporating it into phone calls to avoid distractions from your screen.
Also, if you're accustomed to a quiet office environment, be prepared for some motor noise, and keep in mind that these treadmills require electricity to operate.