Walking Standing Desk: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Benefits of a Walking Standing Desk A standing desk that walks consists of a workstation with treadmill underneath the desk. They cost more than standard desks, but they provide a number of benefits that are worth the investment. Regular physical exercise improves immunity and decreases illness and absenteeism. It can also help lower stress levels. Increased Energy It's no secret that sitting for long periods of time can trigger energy drops, which can make it difficult to focus and finish tasks. A walking desk can help you combat this by introducing activity and movement into your working day. The gentle movements of the treadmill keep the body's systems energized and pumped throughout the day. Walking improves blood circulation and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and brain. This boost in energy will allow you to remain focused, alert and productive throughout the day. A life of sedentary has been linked to a variety of health problems and a decreased life expectancy. A treadmill desk added to your routine of work can dramatically improve your health and productivity by decreasing your sedentary time and encouraging a regular, light workout. Studies have proven that working at a desk with a treadmill can decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. In addition to these physical benefits, it has also been proven that working on a treadmill can boost cognitive performance and decrease absenteeism. Many people are concerned about becoming too tired when using treadmills. This isn't always the case. The regular pace of walking is a great way to keep your muscles engaged and fueled. A lot of users say that they can easily go for more than 5 miles one day without feeling fatigue. Treadmill desks can be costly, but they are well worth the investment. You can sit, stand or walk around the day based on your mood or personal goals. They are particularly beneficial for those who have limited space as they can be used in place of the standard height-adjustable standing or sitting desk. It could take a while to get used walking and working at the same time. It isn't easy to complete tasks that require fine motor skills or intense concentration while on the treadmill. A programmable keyboard/mouse is recommended to make the process more efficient. LeCheminant and Larson discovered that, despite these issues the treadmill desk's added health benefits far outweighed any negative effects on productivity. Better Blood Flow Long-term work can trigger a range of health issues, such as back and neck pain. A walking standing desk lets you move around throughout the day and relieves these issues by enhancing blood circulation throughout your body. A treadmill underneath your desk can help you burn calories too and boost your overall health and well-being. Research suggests that the best way to boost your productivity is to incorporate more movement into your working day. Research shows that your brain performs better when you move and work your muscles. One study found that people who sat down to complete tasks that required fine motor skills were 20% less efficient than those who moved. This is because walking increases the flow of blood to the brain and helps you concentrate and think clearly. Walking helps compact under desk treadmill focus and stay alert during the daytime. It can also help prevent problems that are associated with prolonged periods of sedentary working like a lack of circulation, which can cause varicose veins, swelling feet, or even blood clots. A treadmill desk may aid in relieving back and neck pain. Standing up allows your spine to lengthen and ease pressure on your spinal discs. Be sure to follow ergonomics when you implement the standing desk into your daily routine. Sitting too much can cause the lumbar region to become compressed, which can cause strain on your lower back and shoulders. Sitting can increase the back's curve and cause discomfort in your back or neck. Standing can help reduce this pain because it relieves the pressure on your spine while allowing you to maintain good posture and maintaining a straight back. The majority of treadmill desks can accommodate a monitor for a desktop and computer. They may not be as stable as a traditional desk, and this can impact your ability to perform certain tasks that require a higher level of fine motor skills. In addition, the continuous motion of a treadmill desk can be distracting for coworkers, and it can interfere with your concentration. It is important to use a treadmill only in areas where other people can work comfortably around you. Creativity Boosted Walking and standing are a stimulating, active way to stimulate your creativity. We have a habit of viewing our work from a sea-level view when we sit (except for the work at our desks). But when you get up from your chair and walk over to your desk, you're suddenly able see your ideas from a new perspective, as if you're on a balcony looking out over the world below. This new perspective on the world can spark all sorts of creative thoughts and ideas. Exercise is directly linked to creativity. In a study where participants were asked to brainstorm possible uses for an object, those who took an easy walk following their brainstorming exercise came up with 60% more ideas than those who stayed in their seat. Sitting for long periods can have a negative effect on the brain, making it difficult to focus and think clearly. If you choose to use the standing desk for walking the blood flow help you to focus better and gives your brain a refresh to help you think more creatively. A Latvian startup reported that employees who utilized standing desks that were walked on experienced a 10% increase of productivity. This was in addition to other health advantages of a standing desk which include less fatigue and decreased stress. The ability to think creatively from a walk at your desk is only one of the reasons more and more companies are ditching their chairs and replacing them with standing ones. This trend in office design is even spreading to schools, where groups like Stand Up Kids try to convince schools that standing for hours at work is the best way to let children learn. While studies on standing and productivity is mixed, most experts agree that the general trend is in favor of standing. Dan Kois, a reporter for New York Magazine, tried to spend an entire month sitting at his desk and described it as “the most productive month of my life”. The benefits of a desk are obvious. Reduce Stress Researchers have found that when you're moving around during the day, it assists to lower stress levels. This is because exercise promotes blood flow and stimulates the brain. It aids in focusing and enhances your cognitive abilities. It can also help to boost your mood and decrease the risk of developing certain health conditions. Standing desks can offer the same benefits as treadmill desks. You'll want to make sure your lumbar spine is supported and that the desk is raised enough to let you see your computer screen comfortably without having to hunch or tilt it. In addition, you'll need to consider the size of your space and whether or not it can accommodate a chair. Some standing desks have adjustable heights, making it simpler to change from sitting to standing throughout the day. You can also use desk converters that allow you to work from an upright desk while sitting down. Or treadmill-based workstations, which can be adjusted up and down, allowing you to stand or sit. Some studies have demonstrated that those who work on treadmills walking desks are able to complete their work more efficiently than those who do not. This is because employees who exercise while working are able to focus on their tasks and maintain a constant level of activity. Other studies have shown using treadmills in the workplace can cut down on the time spent sitting down which can cause serious health issues. Furthermore, studies have proven that employees who use treadmill workstations are less likely to suffer negative psychological and physical well-being than those who do not. It is important to remember that more research is required to understand the impact of these workplace interventions, including those that use active workstations like treadmill desks. Research that employs randomization, longer follow up periods and larger samples sizes will help determine how these fitness programs can positively impact employee health.