Sorry, but nothing beats taking a walk outside.
In the modern world, where office jobs often demand prolonged hours of sitting, the quest for innovative solutions to incorporate physical activity into our daily routines has gained momentum. One such trend taking social media platforms like TikTok by storm is the use of desk treadmills—a clever fusion of work and exercise that appears to be an answer to our sedentary work lives. But are these desk treadmills a genuine fitness hack, or are they merely a Band-Aid solution to our reluctance to disconnect from work and prioritize our physical well-being? In this exploration, we delve into the benefits, considerations, and alternatives surrounding desk treadmills.
The Rise of Desk Treadmills on Social Media
Desk treadmills are not entirely novel, but they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to social media platforms like TikTok. Users are documenting their daily step counts while seamlessly conducting work tasks from their computers atop these innovative devices. This trend has sparked curiosity and conversation surrounding the viability of desk treadmills as a means to enhance physical activity within the confines of an office or home workspace.
Benefits of a Treadmill Desk
The appeal of a treadmill desk lies in its potential to address the sedentary nature of office jobs. According to Alexandra Kahn, a Physical Therapist at NYU Langone Health, treadmill desks offer an opportunity for individuals working from home to incorporate exercise into their 9-to-5 routines. One of the primary advantages is that they make achieving the daily goal of 10,000 steps more attainable. Furthermore, treadmill desks provide a reliable means of ensuring physical activity even in inclement weather, eliminating the weather-related hindrance to outdoor exercise.
In essence, these devices offer a convenient way to keep moving, especially when the alternative might involve sitting in a chair for hours on end. They encourage a dynamic work environment, promoting mobility and reducing the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting.
Walking Outside: An Even Better Option
While desk treadmills present an enticing solution, it’s essential to remember that walking itself confers a multitude of health benefits. Whether on a treadmill or outdoors, walking strengthens lower-body muscles, enhances muscular endurance, and promotes cardiovascular health. However, if the choice is available, opting for an outdoor walk offers additional advantages.
According to Kahn, outdoor walking provides increased exposure to Vitamin D, which plays a pivotal role in mood regulation and immune system support. Additionally, walking outdoors tends to be more challenging due to natural environmental factors like wind, uneven terrain, steps, and variable speeds. These challenges introduce a balance and stability component that is not present when walking on a flat treadmill surface.
Furthermore, outdoor walks offer a much-needed respite for your eyes and brain, liberating them from prolonged screen exposure. This break from the computer screen can alleviate eye strain and provide a mental reset, enhancing overall well-being.
Considerations When Using a Desk Treadmill
For those contemplating the adoption of a desk treadmill, there are crucial considerations to keep in mind. Notably, individuals must periodically assess their posture and mechanics, especially if they are simultaneously engaging in work tasks.
Walking while working necessitates attention to both job responsibilities and gait mechanics, which can be challenging to synchronize. Moreover, typing or using a computer while walking may eliminate the arm swing component of walking, which is integral for hip, pelvic, and spinal mobility. This omission could lead to compensatory movements in the shoulder, hip, and trunk regions.
Nonetheless, if one’s desk height, keyboard, and mouse are appropriately positioned—resulting in approximately 90-degree elbow bends and screens positioned slightly below eye level—walking while working at an ergonomically favorable workstation should be comfortable and harmless to one’s posture.
Kahn advises setting a timer for every 20 to 30 minutes or placing a sticky note on the computer as a reminder to reset one’s posture. This precaution can help prevent slumped shoulders and forward head posture.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that walking and typing simultaneously require a certain level of coordination. Although faster walking speeds may make typing feel awkward and lead to temporary balance impairment, the body generally adapts to these demands. It’s akin to the experience of walking and texting.
Individuals with a history of falls, balance issues, or poor stability should exercise caution when considering treadmill desks and walking while focusing on a computer screen. For these individuals, the potential risk may outweigh the benefits.
Similarly, constant motion while fixating on a single point, as is the case with walking on a treadmill while using a computer, can induce motion sickness, referred to as “cybersickness.” This phenomenon arises from the paradoxical absence of motion when staring at a stationary screen for extended periods.
It is worth noting that transitioning from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to walking 10,000 steps daily on a treadmill desk may lead to unintended consequences. Overuse injuries are a genuine concern, particularly for individuals unaccustomed to such levels of physical activity. Like any form of exercise, a gradual and progressive approach is advisable to minimize the risk of injuries.
The Consensus: Desk Treadmills Are a Viable Option
In summary, desk treadmills offer a promising means of infusing physical activity into a predominantly sedentary workday. They facilitate passive movement when prolonged sitting would otherwise be the norm. It’s crucial to monitor any increase in low-back, upper-back, or neck discomfort that may be attributed to altered walking mechanics or poor posture. Starting gradually and building up to longer periods of walking can help prevent overuse injuries.
Nevertheless, if circumstances permit, taking a break from your desk and computer to engage in outdoor walking is highly recommended. The benefits extend beyond physical exercise, encompassing mental health advantages. Unplugging from electronic screens and immersing yourself in the outdoor environment can improve cognition and enhance overall performance when you return to your workspace.
Ultimately, the choice between a desk treadmill and outdoor walking hinges on individual preferences and constraints. The paramount goal is to stay active in a manner that aligns with one’s daily life and encourages a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As Kahn aptly puts it, “Walking is walking,” and the most important thing is to find what works best for you in your daily routine to remain active and prioritize your well-being.