Are Desk Treadmills Worth It?

Desk treadmills are gaining in popularity now that more people are working from home. Engaging your calf muscles while you work the muscle between your ears seems like a no-brainer. But before you hop on an under desk treadmill and start walking while you’re working, it’s worth looking into the pros and cons. Any piece of exercise equipment is an investment of both time and money so it makes sense to make sure you’re going to make use of it. 

What is a desk treadmill?

A desk treadmill is a sleek walking mat or treadmill designed to fit neatly under a desk or workstation. It’s considerably lighter and more compact than a traditional treadmill. Rather than having a screen display to log your speeds and count your calories, it often has a bar that can be removed or hooked to a workstation or smart device. They are suitable for a communal working environment or a home office space. Some desk treadmills even have a flat surface to use as a desk attached to the front bar.

How effective is a desk treadmill?

A desk treadmill is extremely effective for hitting step targets for the day. Unlike a traditional treadmill, you’re not able to train for a marathon on it, but it works very well as a means to increase movement and physical exercise throughout the day. It can also counter some health risks associated with sitting at your desk all day. Like all exercise equipment, however, it is only as effective as the person using it. A desk treadmill will help you get fit, but it won’t get fit for you.

How to use a desk treadmill

A desk treadmill (or under-desk treadmill) should only be used for walking or light jogging. It’s not equipped for sprint training, no matter how hard or fast you sometimes want to run away from your desk. If your desk treadmill has a flat surface attached to it, make sure it’s aligned at the correct height for you to walk while also using a computer. If your desk treadmill is a walking pad or mat to slip under a desk, invest in a standing desk. This will let you access your workstation at the right height while you walk. While it may not have the speeds of a more substantial, traditional treadmill, you should still treat your standing desk treadmill as a serious piece of equipment. This means wearing a suitable pair of sneakers or trainers to reduce your chance of injury. You should also ensure you stay hydrated throughout the workout. We would suggest starting by pairing your desk treadmill with a task that does not require full focus. This makes it easier when you get the hang of walking while you are working.

Benefits of using a desk treadmill

There are both mental and physical health benefits to using a desk treadmill at work. Any form of cardiovascular exercise is a step towards improving your physical fitness. Additionally, exercise is proven to release endorphins that boost your sense of well-being. It can’t improve your job, but it can improve your mood.

What muscles do desk treadmills work?

Desk treadmills offer a low-impact, lower-body workout that primarily works the leg muscles. Walking or light jogging will target your calf muscles, hamstrings and glutes. If you focus on assuming the correct posture for walking or running and engage your core muscles, a desk treadmill could also target your abdominals. We can’t promise you a six-pack, though.

Are desk treadmills good for weight loss?

Combined with the right diet and exercise plan, a desk treadmill can contribute to weight loss. Making cardiovascular exercise a part of your daily routine can definitely help you drop some kgs. But if you’re going straight from your job to junk food, the desk treadmill is only going to take you so far. One hidden advantage is that constantly moving, teamed with a smaller work surface, makes it harder to succumb to a snack attack. As with everything, teaming your desk treadmill with some alternative forms of exercise, such as lifting weights and sticking to a healthy diet, is the best way to maximise weight loss potential.

Are desk treadmills good for cardiovascular health?

Desk treadmills can definitely contribute to better overall cardiovascular health. Even for those with a sedentary lifestyle, being able to walk 10,000 steps a day drastically cuts the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. They can also reduce the chance of getting diabetes. Swimming and cycling also make a positive impact. But for those who struggle to find the time to exercise, incorporating a desk treadmill into your work routine is certainly a way to make a positive impact on your cardiovascular health.

Are desk treadmills good for mental health?

Exercise has a proven positive effect on mental health and a desk treadmill is no exception. In addition to the endorphins associated with exercise, using a desk treadmill is a good way to keep your cool at work. Walking while working is also associated with boosting energy levels and reducing stress. The increased concentration that comes from constantly having to put one foot in front of the other also has a knock-on effect of making you more productive because you’re less bored. Towards the end of the day, the continuous low-impact exercise will have a positive effect on your ability to go to sleep. Just hopefully, not at your desk.

Orbit Fitness has a range of desk treadmills

Orbit has a number of desk treadmills, as well as other treadmills that would be suitable as under-desk treadmills. Whether you work at home or in an office, we’re confident that we have a desk treadmill to suit your purpose. Contact us if you have any questions, or check out one of our locations in Perth, where you can learn more.