Definition
Using a treadmill desk increases physical activity while you’re working, this can improve your productivity, memory, focus and physical health.
How to Do It
Walk at a comfortable pace on a treadmill while working at your desk.
Benefits
Time Commitment
1 hour
Why it works
- Sitting down too much is bad for your physical and mental health [2]. By walking while you work you increase your physical activity, which improves your mental state and therefore your mood and productivity.
- Compared to sitting down, walking on a treadmill increases blood flow to the brain, which may be why treadmill desks improve memory, focus, and productivity. However, this is not a well-studied area [3].
Suggested Frequency
At least once a day.
Side Effects
The first few sessions of working while walking on a treadmill may actually reduce productivity, but practice will help [1].
One study found no cognitive effect of the treadmill desk [4]. This may be because the effect is delayed, an adaptation period is needed [3].
Do not set the treadmill at too fast a speed. This will not reduce the quality of your work, but it may result in injury due to split attention.
Required Equipment
Ice - wrapped in towel or placed in plastic bag
Ice pack
Bags of frozen vegetables
Cryotherapy machine
Gurus/Celebrities/Doing it
Jimmy Kimmel
Victoria Beckham
David W. Zoll
Category Health/Productivity/Focus:
- Health
- Mood
- Productivity
- Focus
Notes
If your workplace doesn’t already offer treadmill desks, ask them to look into their benefits. They may cover the cost of your new treadmill desk if they’re convinced.
Supporting Studies and Articles
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