If you’re this close to hitting checkout on your under desk treadmill, but you’re looking for that extra push. Here it is. You can easily rack up 15,000 steps per day using an under desk treadmill.
Studies show that 81% of UK workers spend between four and nine hours per day sitting at a desk, and that doesn’t leave a lot of time to hit the pavement.
Have put my own under desk treadmill to the test for the last 3 months, I can confidently say that I’m no longer leaving butt imprints in my office chair.
I can now top up my steps whilst doing the 9-5 and it’s a game changer. But just how many steps do I get on my under desk treadmill (without sacrificing productivity)?
Why Use an Under Desk Treadmill?
In today’s world, many people have sedentary jobs that require them to sit at a desk for hours on end. This type of lifestyle can lead to health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
People who spend more than six hours a day sitting have a 34% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who sit for less than three hours a day. That was me, and I don’t want it to be me.
One way to incorporate physical activity into a sedentary lifestyle is by using an under desk treadmill. This type of treadmill allows you to walk while you work, helping you to reach your daily step goal and stay active throughout the day.
Under-Desk Treadmills
Under-desk treadmills are a type of walking treadmill that are designed to be used while sitting at a desk or table. They are compact, lightweight, and quiet, making them ideal for use in a home or office setting. They are also foldable and portable, which makes them easy to store and move around.
One of the main benefits of under-desk treadmills is that they are fixed without an incline, which reduces the risk of injury and strain on the joints. They also have a quiet motor, which means you can use them without disturbing others. Under-desk treadmills typically have a maximum speed of around 4 mph, which is suitable for walking.
Traditional Treadmills
Traditional treadmills are designed for running and are usually larger and more powerful than walking treadmills. They have a higher maximum speed and more incline options, which makes them suitable for a wide range of workouts. They also have more exercise programs and speed options to choose from.
One of the main benefits of traditional treadmills is that they have a more powerful motor, which means they can handle more weight and provide a more intense workout. They also have a larger running surface, which makes them more comfortable to use. However, traditional treadmills can be noisy and take up more space than walking treadmills.
How Many Steps a Day Can You Get on an Under-Desk Treadmill?
If you are looking for a way to increase your daily step count while working at your desk, an under-desk treadmill may be just what you need. But how many steps can you realistically achieve?
Let’s take a look.
How Many Steps Did I Get On My Under Desk Treadmill?
The recommended daily step count for an individual varies depending on their activity levels and fitness goals. However, a general guideline is to aim for 10,000 steps per day. I’m an overachiever and had my step count set at 30,000 (this was ridiculous, but it was for science purposes, I swear).
I know, I know, the experts warned against overdoing it but I was so excited about my nifty new WFH buddy, I got a little carried away. I was doing 3 hour stints at a time, putting in the miles, and gave myself nothing but back ache and sore feet.
I discovered that hour-long intervals at my standing desk worked best for me. In an hour at 4.5km/hr I walked around 6,000 steps. Spreading this out throughout the day, I generally done around 3 hours during the workday — I completed 5,000 or so throughout my general goings about, which left my around 8,000 to get during two episodes of Greys Anatomy before bed.
This annoyed by boyfriend to know end, but let me get my ridiculous step count ticked off.
Moving forward, I’m settling into a more comfortable 2 x 1-hour stint on the walking treadmill and some daily activity to round me off nicely. A healthy medium.
@hauskris Replying to @thegreatsadsby my hips will never recover from this 😂😭🥵 I’ve honestly never felt so accomplished before hahaha #wfhlife #walkingpad #treadmilldesk #standingdesk #workfromhome #treadmill #underdesktreadmill #marathon #marathontraining #dayinthelife #dayinthelifevlog #dayinmylife #dayinmylifevlog ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim
Factors Affecting Step Count
Several factors can affect the number of steps you can achieve on an under-desk treadmill.
These include the speed of the treadmill, your heart rate, and the kind of work you’re going to be doing.
For me, calls are a no-go. Graphic design is a no-go. Research tasks, content writing and emails are a doozy. Depending on your job, you may be able to go for hours (or for minutes). Take that into consideration before you invest.
Benefits of Using an Under-Desk Treadmill
Using an under-desk treadmill can have numerous benefits for your health, fitness, and productivity. Here are some of the key benefits of using an under-desk treadmill:
Calorie Burn
One of the most significant benefits of using an under-desk treadmill is the calorie burn. Walking on an under-desk treadmill can burn up to 100 calories per hour, depending on your weight and walking speed. This means that if you walk for just two hours a day, you can burn up to 200 extra calories per day, which can add up to significant weight loss over time.
Weight Loss
Using an under-desk treadmill can also help with weight loss. Walking on an under-desk treadmill can help you burn calories and lose weight, especially if you combine it with a healthy diet. Studies have shown that walking on a treadmill can help reduce body fat, BMI, and waist circumference.
Productivity
Using an under-desk treadmill can also improve your productivity. Walking while you work can help you stay alert, focused, and energized throughout the day. A study by Texas A&M Health Science Centre found that standing while working can increase productivity by as much as 46%. It can also help you reduce stress and improve your mood, which can have a positive impact on your work performance.
What are the drawbacks of using an under-desk treadmill?
One thing to note is that whilst increasing your movement throughout the day on a walking pad is great, but it’s important to take time away from your screen, get some fresh air and prioritise your mental health.
We need vitamin D and daylight to regulate your circadian rhythm. That’s not something the Walking Pad can provide I’m afraid (unless you put it in the garden).
There’s also a benefit to being mindful when moving your body – being conscious of your technique and focusing on how your body feels – this doesn’t happen when your hammering through your inbox whilst walking.
What Treadmill To Go For?
Sold on the steps? I’m not surprised. If you’re ready to make the leap I’d recommend the WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Treadmill. It’s the bees knees of walking treadmills and has a unique foldable design that bends over 180 degrees. It’s literally 4.7 inches when closed so it can be tucked away neatly. Combine with a VIVO 32-Inch Desk Converter, the converter for using with your regular desk, and your good to go.
In conclusion, under-desk treadmills can be a great way to stay active while working at your desk.